Gardener
Gardener required
Historic Coventry Trust is an ambitious and entrepreneurial charity with a mission to act as the champion of all heritage at risk in Coventry and to become its permanent guardian. We are a pioneering ‘heritage development trust’ on a journey to create a self-sufficient charity using revenue generated from property income to sustain a portfolio of 22 heritage assets which are being transferred to our care from Coventry City Council.
Charterhouse is a Grade 1 listed 14th Century Carthusian Monastry, one of only nine built in Britain. Later in 2022, Charterhouse’s rich and varied history will be revealed and it will open to the public as a heritage visitor attraction. The gardens are compact but rich with historical interest; starting life as produce gardens for the monks in the silent order, then in the 18th century becoming a prominent nursery, a pleasure garden for its Victorian owner, and most recently a bowls club. The role of gardener will be key to bringing these stories to life for our visitors.
This 14 hour a week part-time annualised hours gardener role will be central to maintaining and developing the gardens, training and supporting a dedicated group of volunteers and ensuring people have a great visit to Charterhouse and the wider Heritage Park. The gardener role will also focus on developing appropriate management regimes in the wider Heritage Park and sourcing funding/leading capital projects to develop the Heritage Park. The post will involve primarily outdoor activities, with regular weekend working.
There is no direct line management within this role but you will be responsible for a dedicated team of volunteers. You will also be responsible for managing placements/interns and contractors working on behalf of the Trust as appropriate. The appointment will be subject to full DBS checks.
The applicant for this role will have significant practical experience in horiculture, supported by appropriate qualifications to RHS level 2 or 3 or similar vocational experience. Also required is a sound knowledge of plant husbandry and horticultural techniques and experience of managing small budgets effectively, procurement and running contracts.
The ability and experience of leading small teams, in particular the approach to reward, recognise and motivate volunteers is key in this role.
Competence with machinery/ equipment is required, such as compact tractors, brush cutters, lawn mowers and chainsaws with associated experience of Health and Safety compliance and maintaining safe working regimes for volunteers.
Historic Coventry Trust is a small team, so the applicant would need to be a collaborative team-player, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as good time management.
How to apply
Please send the following:
- A comprehensive cv setting out your career history, responsibilities and achievements relevant to the role you are applying for.
- A supporting statement/covering letter which demonstrates how you meet the knowledge, skills and experience set out in the role profile.
- Please also provide details of two referees together with a brief statement of the capacity in which, and the length of time for which they have known you. (Referees will not be contacted before final interviews without your permission).
If you wish to receive information in an alternative format (eg audio, Braille or large font) then please contact
For an informal and confidential discussion please ring Hannah Jones, Charterhouse General Manager on 024 7527 0231.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Thursday 26th May 2022.
Recruitment process and timetable
Candidates who are successful will be invited to an open day and panel interview on Wednesday 1st June 2022 where you will also have the opportunity to meet the team and volunteers and find out more about the Charterhouse project.
Timetable
Closing date for applications 5pm Thursday 26th May 2022
Open day and panel interview 10am Wednesday 1st June 2022
www.historiccoventrytrust.org.uk
