Herbarium Registrar

Hours of work Full time

Contract Type Permanent

Salary £34,216 - £34,703 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band C]

Directorate Science

Location Kew Gardens, Richmond

Closing Date  27/09/2026

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Preserved Collections team within the Biological Collections Department as Herbarium Registrar, with responsibility for maintaining and developing high standards in the management and care of our internationally important, preserved plant collections.

You will have a relevant first degree or equivalent experience in collections management and be a highly skilled communicator, with a proven track record of managing a busy and varied workload. You will manage the Collections Management team based in the Herbarium who are responsible for freezing, recording, distributing and tracking preserved specimen consignments, making them available for scientific research both at Kew and institutions worldwide. 

This role requires attention to detail, a proven ability to follow and develop precise procedures and accurately document and track specimen records through our collections management system, Earthcape ICMS. You will proactively contribute towards training other staff in best practice in line with Spectrum standards and national legislation and understand relevant legislation governing the movement of plant genetic resources. You will follow best practice to conserve and protect the collections with regards to decontamination procedures and integrated pest management. Previous experience of working with a preserved collection and an enthusiasm for collections management will be an advantage.

Interviews are planned for October 16th 2026

About Us

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi. 

The salary for this position is £34,216 - £34,703 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band C]

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.