Head Gardener

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists; Aston End; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Staff meals provided on duty

Discounted food, beverage and hotel

Staff events and annual awards

Spa discounts

Employee referral bonus

Hotel discounts through luxury network

Job summary

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists are recruiting for a Head Gardener on behalf of a prestigious, family-owned luxury country house hotel set within 12 acres of grounds in Hertfordshire. You will lead a small team and work closely with the owners to shape and develop the grounds for years to come.

The role involves planning planting schemes, landscaping projects, and garden improvements, with emphasis on plant health, safety, and high aesthetic standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years practical horticultural experience.
• Experience leading a small gardening team.
• Strong plant knowledge and landscape planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a small team of gardeners.
• Plan and implement planting schemes and landscape projects.
• Oversee irrigation, pruning, and seasonal maintenance.
• Maintain lawns, borders, hedges and ornamental areas to high standards.
• Manage garden budgets and external contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Horticulture knowledge

Plant identification

Project planning

Budget management

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture

Scottish NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Tools

PA1/PA6 certifications

Chainsaw certification

Job description

Head Gardener - Hertfordshire - £35,000 - £50,000 + 28 days holiday + Staff meals provided

The Job

• Lead and manage a small team of gardeners.
• Work closely with the owners on the long-term vision and development of the gardens.
• Plan and implement planting schemes, landscaping projects and garden improvements.
• Propagate plants from seed and cuttings.
• Manage plant, shrub and tree care programmes.
• Oversee irrigation, planting, pruning, weeding and seasonal maintenance activities.
• Maintain lawns, pathways, borders, hedges and ornamental areas to an exceptional standard.
• Manage garden budgets and coordinate external contractors when required.
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and in line with current Health & Safety legislation.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the estate's 12 acres of grounds.

The Company

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists are delighted to be recruiting for a Head Gardener on behalf of a prestigious, family-owned luxury country house hotel set within 12 acres of beautifully maintained grounds in Hertfordshire. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced horticultural professional to take ownership of a well-established garden and landscape, working closely with the owners to shape and develop the grounds for years to come. The gardens are a key feature of the estate, creating a stunning environment for guests and visitors throughout the year.

The Candidate

• Previous experience in a Head Gardener, Senior Gardener or Estate Gardener position.
• Minimum of 5 years' practical horticultural experience.
• Excellent plant identification and horticultural knowledge.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to plan and deliver landscaping and garden development projects.
• Sound understanding of Health & Safety procedures.
• PA1 and PA6 certifications desirable but not essential.
• NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture desirable.
• Chainsaw certification advantageous.
• Passionate, organised and self-motivated approach.

The Package

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• 28 days holiday plus an additional day off for your birthday.
• Staff meals provided whilst on duty.
• Discounted food, beverage and accommodation.
• Staff events and annual awards evening.
• 30% discount on spa treatments and spa days.
• 10% discount on spa products.
• Employee referral bonus scheme.
• Hotel discounts through a luxury hospitality network.

Candidate Requirements

All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.