Collections Assistant (Library)

We have an exciting opportunity for a Collections Assistant (Library) to join the Library and Archives' team. The post holder will support access to one of the world's most comprehensive collections of botanical literature, ranging from the 14th century to the modern day. The Collections Assistant (Library) will respond to enquiries from Kew staff, students and volunteers, external researchers and the public to help users access Library and Archives' collections relevant to their research. A large part of this varied role will be supporting access and engagement, including assisting with Reading Room bookings, invigilation duties, retrievals and shelving and providing a copying service. The role also delivers visits, tours and inductions and supports collection management and care to help preserve our collections for the future.

Hours of work Full time

Contract Type Permanent

Contract start date 4 January 2027

Salary £29,692 - £31,434 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band B]

Directorate Science

Location Kew Gardens, Richmond

Closing Date 27/09/2026

Documents

Employee benefits - RBG Kew 2026.pdf

(PDF, 459.97kb)

Job Profile .pdf

(PDF, 125.47kb)

This permanent, full-time role will suit an individual with experience working in a library, ideally in a research, academic, or other specialised library. You will have excellent communication skills and customer service experience. You must be able to work constructively and flexibly within a team, have excellent IT skills and demonstrate attention to detail. Time-management and organisational skills are essential. A demonstrable interest in rare book/special collections and/or Kew's collections of botanical literature is desirable. Due to the collections-based nature of the role, the successful applicant will be expected to work on site. You must have the ability to handle large objects and boxes and to work at height. Working hours will be 36 hours/week, worked from Monday-Friday each week. Interviews are due to take place w/c 2 November.

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 £29,692 - £31,434 per annum, depending on skills and experience [Band B]

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.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking "".

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.