Head of Science

CONTEXT

Concept work on The Shuttleworth Botanic Garden (SBG) in the Isle of Man started in 2011. The early years allowed us to identify key elements and objectives that will enable the accomplishment of this ambitious, international botanical landscape project.

While still in its infancy, the garden is now entering another exciting period of development and has recently become a member of Botanic Gardens Conservation International. Our extensive landscapes will provide areas in which to:

• showcase and conserve plants from temperate biomes around the world;
• study genetic diversity and the effects of climate change on plants; and
• provide fantastic educational and recreational opportunities for a wide range of people.

Several large landscape construction projects are underway; involving earth moving and the creation of large, natural rock and water features. At the same time, other significant landscape areas are being designed.

We are ready to recruit our plant scientists, and a Head of Science is required to lead this fundamental phase of project implementation. Our collections, landscapes and academic partnerships will require time, specialist skills and dedication. As Head of Science, you will commit to this diverse, long-term project and be at the heart of realising the vision of creating a globally recognised botanic garden in the Isle of Man. This role requires an inspirational person who can create a high-performing culture in strong teams and foster collaboration both within the organisation and with external partners.

THE ROLE

The SBG seeks a dynamic leader who is driven by passion, expertise in plants and the importance of botanic gardens. An inquisitive mind, attention to detail and the ability to innovate will allow you to succeed in this role and help to develop the project and colleagues.

The SBG offers unrivalled opportunities for personal and professional development, achievement and experience. A strong element of legacy is associated with this position that will last well into the future, both in terms of personal achievement and contributing to a major new botanic garden.

The Head of Science will provide key strategic leadership and guidance of all plant science and conservation activities.

• Serves on the leadership team of the SBG; participating in strategic and annual planning and organisational and departmental goal setting.  Collaborates professionally, effectively and empathetically, wherever necessary, with colleagues in the leadership team and across the organisation to ensure that the garden's objectives are met.
• Builds the reputation of the SBG as a globally recognised leader in plant and environmental science.
• Participates fully in the ongoing evolution of the SBG Living Collection Policy.
• Ensures that collections are maintained to high standards.
• Contributes to the success of practices that develop, maintain and manage sustainably the garden in all of its aspects.
• Ensures a tailored approach to designs, displays and other plantings in each biome of the garden that balances beauty and importance.
• Ensures that collections are promoted and utilised for scientific and educational goals and guest experience.
• Oversees development, application and periodic review of the plant curation and collections plan. Provides leadership and guidance in executing the collections plan, collections curation activities and maintenance of the collections.
• Plays a lead role in fostering partnerships with local and international collaborators.
• Represents the SBG to outside organisations and interacts with professional counterparts at other institutions.
• Ensures support for activities that use the collections for education, research or conservation and ensures that usage is properly documented for fundraising and development purposes.
• Provides support for cooperative research projects involving researchers inside and outside the SBG.
• Develops and directs phytosanitary policies and objectives to include the risks associated with potentially invasive species and pathogens.
• Has ultimate ownership of all relevant departmental budgets.
• Provides guidance and supervision to direct reports.
• Hires, manages and develops staff in conjunction with human resources.
• Ensures the department is compliant with health and safety policies and procedures.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will have had an outstanding career to date based on deep knowledge of plants and a passion for connecting people with them through botany and related fields. We are seeking an individual with extensive experience in plant science and demonstrable management capability. This individual should be able to develop and implement objectives and strategies for their area of responsibility and contribute fully to those of colleagues.

The Head of Science must show sound reasoning and judgement when organising, managing and motivating others and in building meaningful partnerships. They will have the ability to negotiate optimal outcomes among opposing viewpoints within and outside the organisation and to compromise when necessary. The ability to listen and give advice, to respect the views and abilities of others, to collaborate with integrity, consistency, and good judgment and a sense of humour are important. They exhibit a high level of emotional intelligence with a demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility. Humility, rooted in respect for others, is expected.

The ability to navigate complexity, coupled with principled, strategic and business decision-making in a fast-paced environment must be evident. Solid skills in budgeting, operations and business management are expected. This leader is an effective ambassador who can convey the SBG’s mission and vision to motivate partners and inspire public support for its work.

Minimum requirements include:

• a PhD in botany, plant science, horticulture or ecology from a leading university, coupled with a related publication record;
• eight years or more experience in horticultural, ecological, or conservation research; and
• at least five years of management experience.

Supervisory experience, including the management of living collections, in public gardens or a similar organisation or environment is also preferred.

The Isle of Man is a special place to live and offers a rich blend of outdoor, sporting, cultural and social activities. National and international events take place on the island each year that attract visitors from all over the world. Above all, tranquility and supportive communities on the island mean that the quality of life for individuals or families is unrivalled.