Deputy Head Gardener
Deputy Head Gardener required
Pashley Manor Gardens is a privately owned 11-acre garden, plus woodlands, on the East Sussex/Kent border. Open to visitors seasonally from April to September, with several garden based special events organised throughout the open season – we are most well-known for our Tulip Festival, Rose Week and Dahlia Days events. We are honoured to have been nominated for the Historic Houses/Christie’s ‘Garden of the Year’ Award this year.
To keep these gardens at their best, and develop them for the future, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Head Gardener to work within and help lead our garden team.
You’ll have a passion for gardening and deliver excellent standards of garden maintenance and presentation over the whole garden. Genuine enthusiasm, keen eye for detail and appreciation of quality, pro-active approach, willingness to lead by example and work calmly under pressure are essential.
This is a hands-on role so applicants must have a good level of fitness and be able and willing to work outside throughout the year.
Applicants should have practical horticultural experience, preferably in amenity horticulture (appropriate qualifications at RHS level 2/3 or equivalent desirable, but not necessary if there is sufficient practical experience). Experience of working with and supervising a small team is desirable.
Excellent communication skills will be required to help our Head Gardener lead the garden team and to liaise with the Owners/General Manager regularly on new plans for the garden, work to be done and events etc. There is also a strong focus on providing a great experience for our visitors – which will involve answering questions in the garden, developing an understanding of the garden’s history and using it to encourage our visitor’s interest in the garden. Willingness to assist with garden talks and tours (especially during our events) desirable.
This is a full-time position and we’ll need you to help with special events that are happening – including some weekends/bank holidays, and also to organise other team members to do the same (time off in lieu for extra time worked). This role requires Saturday working on a rota basis and willingness to be one of our first aiders (training can be given).
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.
