Kitchen Gardener required

Working closely with the Head Gardener in leading, managing and developing a team of gardeners and trainees predominantly within the Production and Nursery area of the garden.  To maintain and present the Kitchen Garden and associated areas to the highest possible standards and deliver excellence in organic gardening both technically and aesthetically.

The King’s Foundation

The King’s Foundation provides holistic solutions to challenges facing the world today. We champion a sustainable approach to how we live our lives and build our communities, we run a diverse programme of education and training for all ages and backgrounds, and we regenerate and care for places where communities thrive and that visitors enjoy.

We work nationally and internationally but at the heart of our organisation is the heritage-led regeneration of the Dumfries House estate and its wider community, where our principles and philosophies are explored and put into practice.

The work of The King’s Foundation is inspired by The His Majesty’s philosophy of harmony: that by understanding the balance, the order and the relationships between ourselves and the natural world we can create a more sustainable future.

The King’s Foundation is responsible for the stewardship of Dumfries House, Castle of Mey and Highgrove Gardens, which includes the delivery of education courses across the estates.

We have a diverse and inclusive workplace, creating a welcoming, safe space for everyone. This means that every member of our team can bring their whole self to work.

We encourage qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply to and join The King’s Foundation and bring their valuable skills and experiences.

The Foundation is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees, including the provision of workplace adjustments.

We do not tolerate discrimination based on protected characteristics (age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership) or other differences such as socio-economic background or social origin.

Highgrove Gardens

Highgrove Gardens is a highly renowned garden, described as one of the most inspiring and innovative gardens in the UK. Since 1980, the garden has been managed organically and includes a variety of garden features and areas, including a walled kitchen garden, a thyme walk, topiary and hedging, a terrace garden, a cottage garden, wildflower meadows, island beds, an arboretum, a woodland garden, and various water features.

Main Areas of Responsibility:

• Work with the Head Gardener in the planning, and production of fruit, vegetables, cut flowers and indoor plants for use within the organisation.
• Draw up both seasonal and weekly work plans and work alongside the gardeners in carrying out these tasks such as propagation, planting, border cultivation, mowing, hedgecutting, weeding, mulching,etc.
• Supervise and support the Head Gardener with the management of gardeners, trainees and volunteers. This may include training, development, performance reviews and providing input into garden work plans.
• The job holder is expected to resolve day-to-day problems that arise relating to the works undertaken, seeking advice or approval from the Head Gardener where necessary.
• Input when requested into the annual revenue and garden project budgets.
• Support the Head Gardener with ensuring all aspects of Health and Safety legislation are being followed and are up to date. Report any accidents, near misses or dangerous occurrences as necessary. Provide input, when requested, into risk and COSHH assessments.
• Contribute to the preparation for events and tours ensuring the gardens are shown to their highest horticultural standard.
• Carry out practical horticultural tasks such as; planting, leaf clearing etc.
• Maintain high horticultural and presentation standards ensuring that the expectations of The King’s Foundation are met.
• Ensure organic and sustainability standards are met Ensure that relevant organic theories are put into practice and maintain good links with Garden Organic and The Soil Association;
• Partake in CPD opportunities to enhance your role

Essential Criteria

• Previous practical experience in a high quality Kitchen Garden open to the public (3+ years)
• Qualified to National Diploma NVQ Level 3 equivalent level of vocational experience/training
• Full, manual driving licence
• Excellent plant identification and maintenance knowledge
• Competent in the use and care for a wide range of machinery and equipment
• Experience working in a range of horticultural settings such as ornamental borders, meadow, arboretum and vegetable garden
• Understand current health and safety legislation
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good organisational skills and the proven ability to prioritise own work;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times and exercise discretion

Desirable Criteria

• Range of machinery certificates
• Experience of working to organic principles

Hours of Work:

40 hours per week plus extra weekend watering and operational duties that are required on a rota / seasonal basis.

Additional Information:

This job involves strenuous physical activity including soil cultivation, plant establishment, maintenance and the use of a range of powered machinery.

Closing Date: Friday 4^th October 2024

This Kitchen Gardener 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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Tagged as: production gardener, Senior Gardener