Head Gardener
Applications are invited for the position of Head Gardener for the gardens and extensive park of a large country mansion and major Kent visitor attraction.
The park and gardens have a wide variety of areas including formal areas consisting of lawns, mixed shrub planting, herbaceous borders, woodland areas as well as a kitchen garden and glasshouses. This is a key position within the management structure, and the person appointed will be responsible for ensuring that all areas are maintained to the highest horticultural standards, in order to preserve its unique character for the benefit of the owners and visitors.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Maintenance and upkeep of all areas of the formal gardens and park.
- Work closely with the owners to develop and deliver new projects that will enhance the historical beauty and function of the garden.
- Plan and prepare short and long-term maintenance programmes and planting schedules.
- Management of the horticultural team, identifying training and development requirements, preparing detailed work schedules.
- Recruit additional skilled staff, develop junior staff and manage volunteers.
- Plan and manage the department budget.
- Ensure health and safety measures are maintained and followed by your team.
- Oversee and supervise as required the work of outside contractors within the garden area.
We seek candidates who have at least 3 years experience at senior or head gardener level, within a private estate and/or horticulturally diverse public garden, and are keen to take on a large and varied project in order to use their horticultural skills to the full. You should ideally hold a suitable horticultural qualification, as well as experience of garden budget management, Excellent communication skills are also important in order to ensure your team is highly motivated and able to produce work to a high standard.
Chemical sprayers certificates would be desirable, a current driving licence is essential.
The option of accommodation is available to be discussed.
SALARY: £30,000 to £40,000 (depending on experience)
LOCATION: Kent
JOB No: EC33740
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Ruth Bolam 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 Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
