Head Gardener
Head Gardener sought for a wonderful and important garden created by the late Lady Lavina Cholmondeley from 1950`s onwards with continuing development by her son, the current owner of The Cholmondeley Estate. This plantsperson’s garden comprises 100 acres surrounding Cholmondeley Castle, of formal and informal borders, meadows, an arboretum, as well as taxonomically important collections of woody plants including Magnolia, Rhododendron, Camellia, and Cornus. The garden includes the Temple and Folly water gardens, a 100m long double herbaceous border, two rose gardens, a spring garden, stream, a woodland garden, private gardens, as well as a glasshouse and kitchen garden.
The garden has gone through significant transformation over the past 12 years with many new features and plantings added, which has greatly extended the seasons and increased public engagement. The gardens open season typically runs from March through to October. For more information see www.cholmondeleycastle.com
The Head Gardener will be responsible for the day to day running of the gardens and compiling monthly reports, to ensure excellent standards of horticultural husbandry and plantsmanship are employed year-round. The head gardener will be assisted by a garden team of 4 full time staff and volunteers and the Head Gardener will be responsible for supervising the staff, contractors and volunteers, including recruitment, training and development and rostering of staff including weekends. A good understanding of H & S legislation is important ensuring the team comply.
The successful candidate will ideally hold horticultural qualification such as an RHS level 3 practical / HND / Degree in horticulture / landscape management or equivalent with practical experience in horticultural techniques. Experience of working in a historic garden open to the public would be an advantage. Applicants will have proven inspirational leadership experience and the ability to prioritise tasks and to work under pressure. Excellent communication, presentation and administrative skills are vital for the role as well as proven hands-on experience and knowledge.
Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence. Excellent plant knowledge and a genuine passion for horticulture are essential, as are time and staff management skills, a keen eye for detail, a good level of physical fitness, happy to work in all weather conditions and the willingness to lead by example. A good understanding and ability to use of a wide range of specialist equipment and machinery including the management and maintenance thereof is an advantage.
A generous salary is provided for the successful candidate and includes generous pension, private health cover and death in service cover. If required accommodation could be available at a concessionary rent.
The role of Head Gardener will suit a skilled, experienced, energetic and proactive team player who enjoys realising and maintaining the vision of others. Also, public engagement, specialist tours, event planning and a willingness to engage with social media will be required.
SALARY: circa £40,000 DOE (+ potential of accommodation with a rent payable)
LOCATION: Cholmondeley, Cheshire
JOB No: EC65331
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Jay Rimell on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.
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