Threatened Plants Project Manager
Plant Heritage
Job Description:
Responsible to:
Responsible for:
Threatened Plants Project Manager
Conservation Manager
Volunteers
Since 2009 the ground-breaking Threatened Plants Project (TPP) has been assessing the
rarity and conservation value of cultivars. As part of a step-change in the way our work is
focussed, the TPP will in the future act as the informer and driver behind the conservation
priorities of the charity, allowing it to concentrate on proactive, targeted recruitment of
future collection material. This 'red listing' process for cultivars in UK & Ireland is
undertaken using data from the Royal Horticultural Society, the National Plant Collections
and many other sources. The way that the data is handled is in the process of changing,
and it is a good opportunity to become involved at a new stage in the Project, allowing the
post-holder to have an impact in a changing field.
Main Tasks of Position
Primary







Carrying out and overseeing the processes of the Threatened Plants Project (TPP).
The work is desk-based and involves manipulation of data.
Working with the Plant Conservation Committee (PCC) & Conservation Manager to
set and meet timely goals for the Project.
Ensuring that the TPP provides the data necessary to the functioning of other areas
of conservation work of the Charity; including the National Plant Collections and the
Plant Guardians scheme.
Participating in direction setting and prioritisation activities, to ensure that future
conservation work is targeted and relevant.
Reporting on the progress of the TPP to the PCC, Board of Trustees and Council.
Maintaining up to date electronic and paper-based data for the TPP
Liaising with internal and external parties to ensure up-to-date information is
exchanged with regard to the TPP.
Secondary




Training volunteers in the processes, providing them with post-training support
and back-up as required.
Promoting the TPP both externally and within Plant Heritage.
Producing articles and talks on the TPP as required.
Maintaining the TPP section of the Plant Heritage website, to ensure that
information there is correct and current.
Page 1 of 2
Person Specification
Job Title: Threatened Plants Project Manager
Education and
Qualifications
Knowledge
Experience
Key Skills
Personal
Attributes
Essential
Desirable
Graduate or post-graduate in the areas of
horticulture, plant science, taxonomy,
conservation.
Excellent knowledge of databases,
spreadsheets,
Maintenance of web pages, use of social
media
Interest in plant conservation
Knowledge of taxonomy and nomenclature
Understanding of issues surrounding
conservation
Working in an office environment
Use of MS Office
Communication with range of levels of
expertise.
Research experience
Ability to work under own initiative
Excellent written and verbal communication
skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
The ability to develop effective working
relationships with people at all levels both
within Plant Heritage and externally
Full Driving licence
Confident communicator
Enthusiastic, friendly and patient
Proactive team player
Flexible
Organised
Report writing
Broad knowledge of
horticulture
Knowledge of the ICNCP
Experience of Scratchpads
Writing and giving
presentations
Experience of working with
volunteers
Application deadline:
Interviews:
The position is to cover a period of one year maternity leave, 22.5 hours (3 days) per week, 9.00 17.00 with 30 minutes for lunch. There are 28 days paid holiday per annum.
The post will involve some travel, and the office is not easily reached by public transport.
Salary: Salary: range £22230 - £22800 pro rata pa
Plant Heritage is based at 12 Home Farm, Loseley Park, near Guildford in Surrey.
Plant Heritage is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to supporting its staff with all
necessary training opportunities
Page 2 of 2