Administrative Officer

About the role

The Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum (OBGA) seeks a capable and effective Administrative Officer to contribute to the smooth running of the department, which is home to the UK’s oldest botanic garden and a 130-acre arboretum.

You will be the first point of contact for all internal and external enquiries, handling information that is often sensitive, confidential, or time critical. You will provide comprehensive administrative support to the Head of Operations, Director of OBGA, and senior managers within OBGA, including diary management, organising meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, and coordinating travel and visits.

You will support departmental activity across finance, HR, events, facilities, and volunteer administration. This will include processing invoices and financial transactions, supporting recruitment activity, assisting with event administration, liaising with suppliers and contractors, and maintaining effective office systems and records. You will also contribute to the continuous improvement of office management practices and provide cover for other administrative roles as required.

This is a permanent, full-time post, working 36.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday).

The role is based on site and does not support working from home. The post may require occasional weekend or overtime work.

About You

You will have a high standard of general education, or equivalent practical experience, and bring strong administrative skills gained in a busy working environment. You will be highly organised, numerate, and confident using office IT systems, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, with the ability to manage diaries, arrange meetings, and maintain accurate records.

You will communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of colleagues and external contacts, using sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information. You will be comfortable supporting financial processes, drafting correspondence and minutes, and working both independently and collaboratively to meet competing priorities.

Diversity

Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family-friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave.

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.

How to apply

You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form using the attached template as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered.

We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities. For enquiries relating to the role please contact Frances Young (recruitment@obg.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (GMT) on Monday 16 February 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 02 March 2026.

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