Head Gardener
Godinton House, Kent
Godinton House is a Jacobean mansion set in beautiful parkland with 12 acres of spectacular gardens, owned by a charitable preservation trust. The historic grounds were laid out by Sir Reginald Blomfield in 1898 to include an Italian garden, rose garden, substantial herbaceous borders, a walled garden and terraced lawns, all framed by a magnificent yew hedge, one of the longest in the country. The gardens are open to the public between March and October.
The successful applicant will lead a team of experienced garden staff, up to two garden trainees, contractors, and a team of volunteers, who all form part of a wider team of staff on the estate.
The Role
The Trust is seeking to appoint a new Full-Time Head Gardener to perform the following role:
- Responsibility for the management and planning of all aspects of the gardens including plant management, lawn and hedge care, plant propagation, glasshouse work and kitchen gardening.
- Management, support and development of the garden team including recruiting and supervising volunteers and apprentices.
- Collaboration with team members to deliver the Trust’s objectives including involvement in the education and events programme.
- Supervision of health and safety in relation to garden activities.
- Report to the Estate Manager day to day, and to the Board of Trustees as required.
The Package
- Salary: £42,000 per annum plus pension.
- Good accommodation is available onsite.
- The position is to start as soon as possible.
- A full-time position with weekend hours for watering and other duties, in rota with other staff. Some occasional weekend working, such as hosting workshops and attending exhibitions in the garden.
- 25 days holiday entitlement per year plus bank holidays.
The Individual
We are looking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic individual with the following attributes:
- Excellent plant knowledge and garden management experience and ability to plan and implement garden maintenance, with a relevant horticultural qualification e.g., National Certificate in Horticulture, National Diploma, NVQ Level 3 (amenity horticulture) or RHS, or equivalent experience.
- Previous experience as a Head Gardener with a proven track record in a leadership role.
- Good communication skills, enthusiasm and confidence to engage with team members, visitors & educational groups.
- Competence in relevant health and safety legislation applicable to the role and proficiency in use and management of garden machinery.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted with a covering letter to Robert Duggan (Estate Manager) at recruitment@godintonhouse.co.uk, by 06 December 2024. Applicants selected for interview will be invited to attend at Godinton House, Godinton Lane, Great Chart, Ashford, Kent TN23 3BP.
This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. English Country Gardeners are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.
If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please click here and the Royal Horticultural Society, please click here
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