If you have a passion and interest for alpine plants, their cultivation and conservation, and want to deepen your knowledge and gain experience why not consider applying for the AGS Trainee Scheme?

Start date: 13th January 2025.

Duration: 18 months

Pay: £25,500

Location: Based at RBG Edinburgh, with visits to RSPB Haweswater, and RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Birmingham Botanic Garden and Gotheberg, Sweden.

Purpose of programme: To give trainee the chance to gain experience in the cultivation, propagation and conservation of alpine plants at some of the most important establishments in the country. Trainee will also be involved in AGS activities and events: Seed Exchange, AGS Garden maintenance, Flower Shows, etc.

Outcomes: weekly Social Media post, monthly blog, end of programme report.

Requirements: You will receive training in all aspects of growing alpine plants and how to use these plants effectively in displays. This will include being involved in maintaining and enhancing the alpine collections at all gardens, propagation, and maintenance of alpine collections as well as data recording. In addition, time will be spent visiting other gardens and institutes.

Applicants should have a passion for growing alpines and be qualified to SVQ Level 1/2 or equivalent, can work to a very high standard, be computer literate, able to work in a group situation or individually, be highly motivated and be a good communicator. Additionally, the successful candidate should ideally have some knowledge of botanical horticulture and garden maintenance.

Deadline to apply: 8th November 2024 interviews on the 20th November

To apply please visit the RBG Edinburgh Vacancies page.

Our previous trainee, Joshua Tranter, kept a diary describing some of the work experienced during the AGS Trainee Scheme. To get a taste of how the scheme works read the diary below.