As a Specialist Horticultural Student, you will assist in day-to-day cultivation and maintenance tasks within specific garden teams. You will also have the opportunity to make use of the vast resources of the RHS and learn more about the workings of the entire organisation as well as a year based in a specific garden department.
A great opportunity for horticulturists with practical experience and a level 2 qualification in horticulture.
The non-accredited Specialist Horticultural Placement is available at both
RHS Garden Wisley and
RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Students specialise over the course of one year by working with particular teams.
Wisley placements are available in the following teams;
- Ornamental – Formal, Herbaceous or Woodland
- Alpine
- Edibles
- Glass
- Garden Support Services
- Nursery & Propagation
- Trials
- Arboriculture (existing experience in this area is required)
Harlow Carr placements are available with either
- Floral & Alpine
- Productive Horticulture
Entry requirements
Applicants are expected, as a minimum, to hold a Level 2 horticultural qualification such as a National Certificate in Horticulture or RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.
In addition to this, applicants must:
- Have six months practical horticultural experience in a professional environment, this must be six months in total, rather than one day a week for six months.
- Be computer literate with the ability to produce word-processed coursework.
- Be able to work with digital images.
- Be able to access the internet and use email.
- Hold a full driving licence.
Applicants from overseas are considered, where, if non-EU nationals they are able to obtain an appropriate work visa. Please note that the RHS is unable to sponsor any visa applications. A good working knowledge of the English language is essential and evidence to that effect will be requested.
How to apply
Applications open on 1 December and close on 1 February.
For further information, an application form and a job description see the RHS Vacancies site.
Wisley's Arboriculture placement has a
separate application process
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