Horticulturalist / Biodiversity Restoration Specialist / Educator

The opportunity

We are looking for a horticulturalist or plant specialist who understands that plants are the foundation of functioning ecosystems and wants to apply horticulture to biodiversity restoration.

Your year will have two complementary parts

4–5 months: Environmental education

• Teach children about plants, habitats, soil and ecosystems.
• Lead practical horticultural and environmental activities.
• Demonstrate propagation, planting and ecological relationships.
• Teach learners how plants support insects, herbivores, birds and wider ecological networks.
• Support school programmes and outdoor learning.

The rest of the year: Specialist work

• Develop and manage indigenous plant propagation and production.
• Select plants for biodiversity restoration and ecological landscaping.
• Investigate plant–insect and plant–animal relationships.
• Develop nursery systems, propagation protocols and planting approaches.
• Support restoration trials and monitor plant establishment.
• Develop plant-selection resources and biodiversity-supporting planting guidelines.
• Contribute to research, databases, educational products and publications.

Qualifications & experience

• A Bachelor's degree, diploma or equivalent experience in horticulture, botany, plant science, restoration ecology or a related field is beneficial.
• Strong practical horticultural experience is highly valued.
• Knowledge of South African indigenous plants is advantageous.
• Ability to teach and communicate practical science is essential.

Core skills

• Plant identification and horticultural knowledge.
• Propagation and nursery management.
• Planning and record keeping.
• Practical problem solving.
• Project and resource management.
• Clear communication and teaching.
• Observation and ecological thinking.
• Ability to work outdoors and perform practical tasks.

Additional skills that would be beneficial

• Indigenous plant propagation.
• Restoration ecology.
• Pollinator and caterpillar host plants.
• Plant–insect relationships.
• Soil science and ecological horticulture.
• GIS or biodiversity mapping.
• Nursery business or commercial horticulture experience.

Competitive Salary – A competitive salary relative to the responsibilities, experience and skills required for the role.

Horticultural Development & Research – Opportunities to contribute to horticultural projects, plant research and environmental initiatives, developing practical knowledge of plant growth, propagation and sustainable horticultural practices.

Practical Horticultural Experience – Hands-on experience working with a diverse range of plants, gardens, growing environments and plant-care projects, including propagation, maintenance and habitat development.

Multidisciplinary Team & Career Growth – Work alongside scientists, educators and other professionals, with opportunities to develop new skills and take on additional responsibilities.

On-Site Benefits – Meals will be provided during in-person working days, and accommodation can be provided when an overnight stay is required for work.