National Trust
Head Gardener
Location: Woolbeding
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Reference/IRC: IRC143852
Closing Date: 01-Oct-2023
Salary: £40,000 per annum
We would like our Head Gardener to be a
Leader of
- Team development and support
- Long term planning and project sponsorship
- Relationship and Stakeholder Management
With Horticultural skills
- Garden Management Plan preparation
- Good knowledge of plants, plant health and environmental issues
- Historic gardens and designed landscapes
Knowledge of Operational Risk
- Compliance
- Machinery and Equipment
- Environment
Understand Visitor Operation
- Portfolio operation objectives
- Holistic approach for visitor benefits
- Service Excellence
Manage Financials
- Budget Compliance Management
What’s in it for you:
Experience of leading a large garden team within 1 of the NTs most horticulturally diverse gardens, with high presentation standards and the UK’s latest, distinctive contemporary display glasshouses. Developing your leadership skills with assistance from the Gardens Consultant and General Manager and making your mark in the garden for the 2024 visitor season with new plant displays for the Jebb Glasshouse.
This 12 month assignment would suit someone seeking their next significant Head Gardner position.
Interviews will be held on October 6th 2023. Please allow 2 hours for a garden visit at Woolbeding.
Please do not leave your application to the last minute, we will be shortlisting and arranging interviews as people apply. We would like you to include a letter with your application which explain what you would most like to gain from this 12 month fixed term placement.
To be successful and shortlisted for an interview in this role you'll need to display;
- Leadership: including team development, producing work plans, training and working with volunteers. You’ll inspire you team and work closely with colleagues on the Property Leadership Team to achieve collective goals
- Extensive horticultural experience including broad plant knowledge, awareness of plant health issues and an appreciation of garden heritage. Qualified to RHS Level 3 or equivalent experience. Able to prioritise effectively and experience of creating Garden Management Plans
- Understanding of operational risk and experience of relevant health & safety best practice including horticultural machinery/equipment and compliance
- Visitor experience - You’re passionate about connecting people and place and appreciate the importance of access, interpretation, presentation and engagement
- Financial - Experience with budgets (and planning project work)
- A driving licence is necessary in this location and for the role.
Apply: IRC143852 - Head Gardener - Woolbeding (nationaltrust.org.uk)
Closing Date: 01/10/2023 Location: Woolbeding