National Trust

Head Gardener

IRC122774

Does managing a Grade I listed fantasy landscape located in the spectacular North East countryside sound like your dream job? Created by Lord and Lady Armstrong, this historic pleasure ground is almost 17 hectares. It’s unique Formal Garden, Rock Garden, Pinetum and Valley Garden awed their guests and still wow our visitors today. As our Head Gardener, with your infectious, can-do attitude, you will bring these magical gardens to life.

Please apply with your CV and tell us in covering note 'Why would the Head Gardener role at Cragside be your ideal job?'

Relocation package is available for this role.

What it's like to work here

Cragside is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the North East, welcoming around 250,000 every year. Located in stunning rural Northumberland, but only 30 miles from the vibrant city of Newcastle, working at Cragside allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.

You will thrive when working in collaboration. In particular, you will work closely with the Property Curator, as well as other heads of department, to provide a holistic and exceptional visitor experience across the property.

What you'll be doing

You'll be leading a team of three regular gardeners, along with seasonal gardeners, all eager to deliver their very best. They are ably supported by a small number of volunteers.

You’ll employ your horticultural knowledge, experience, and talent to implement high standards of garden maintenance and lead on the development of new aspects of the gardens. Much of your work will be hands-on horticulture, leading your team out in the gardens. There will be an administrative element, too, managing budgets and ensuring that the gardens are fully compliant with healthy and safety guidelines. You’ll be a strong people manager; proactively developing work programmes and your team’s skills.

Among our exciting priorities for the next few years is the restoration of the Orchard House – a nineteenth century glasshouse that is the centre-piece of the Formal Garden.

The working pattern is Tuesday to Saturday and you will be part of the duty manager rota for daily operations on the property.

You will be:

• An experienced gardener with strong horticultural education, training and experience – minimum RHS level 3 or equivalent
• A good team leader, able to set clear objectives for your staff and proactively manage performance and development
• Able to demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the garden’s historic significance in its maintenance and development
• Competent with budgets, planning work programmes etc
• The holder of a full UK driving licence.

   
Apply here

Closing Date: 26/06/2022  Location: Cragside, Rothbury, Morpeth, NE65 7PX