Head Gardener

NATIONAL TRUST; Penzance; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in Penzance seeks a Head Gardener to manage two historic gardens. You will lead a team, engage visitors, and ensure horticultural excellence. The ideal candidate has a strong background in horticulture and team management. This role offers substantial benefits including a pension scheme, flexible working options, and a supportive culture focused on inclusion. Join an organization committed to preserving green spaces for everyone.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Flexible working options

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Significant practical horticultural experience required.
• Knowledge of conservation management plans needed.
• Experience managing diverse gardens essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead two gardens, managing day-to-day activities.
• Mentor staff and volunteers in horticultural practices.
• Engage visitors through events and tours.

Skills

Skilled communicator

Problem-solver

Project management

Inclusivity leader

Team management

Education

RHS level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Important notice

In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

What it's like to work here

Trengwainton is home to an important plant collection, which has continued to develop from its the early twentieth century beginning and the historic families passion for plants. The garden continues to flourish with the National Trust to this day. The extensive woodland garden also contains a walled garden that shelters some unusual and more tender plants and has areas of productive horticulture.

Godolphin is truly an ancient garden, with the remains of a layout that could date from as early as the 14th century. Despite its atmosphere of deep time, it is gardened sensitively in a sustainable way via organic methods. An orchard, newly planted woodland, and ancient bluebell woodland compliment the landscape.

Reporting to the General Manager, you’ll be a key part of the Property Leadership Team holding accountability for day-to-day maintenance and long-term planning for the gardens. You’ll set and deliver your own operating and conservation budgets and be responsible for the safety and compliance within the garden.

What you'll be doing

As Head Gardener for the West Cornwall group, you will lead two gardens, where you will provide support and develop the teams. You’ll have a flexible and innovative approach with a ‘can do’ attitude and will enjoy trialling new techniques and planting ideas. You’ll manage day to day work schedules, support and mentor staff and volunteers, contribute to visitor engagement through events and tours, and ensure the budgets are used effectively. Tree and woodland management form a part of this role, as well as maintaining community links with our local partners and historic family.

You’ll work closely with the visitor experience team to champion our work and engage visitors with the beauty, nature and history of our gardens. You’ll support an inclusive culture, where everyone feels a positive sense of belonging and pride for the part they play. You’ll work with property teams to make changes that improve access to the garden. You’ll have a close working relationship with experts from our internal consultancy and will connect yourself internally and externally to ensure you are always learning from others, identifying partnership opportunities where relevant, and sharing your knowledge and skills.

Who we're looking for

Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• A skilled communicator, who can build strong relationships within diverse teams, both internally and externally
• A flexible thinker and problem-solver, skilled at negotiating and building productive networks, and confident in using your expertise to influence decisions
• Proactive and organised, with experience of managing projects and a talent for multi-tasking and getting things done, strongly focused on detail, quality, cost and time.
• A leader for inclusion, who finds ways to create an inclusive culture.
• A leader with skills with experience of managing and supporting teams of staff and volunteers

Criteria for all other applicants:

• Significant practical horticultural experience supported by appropriate qualifications to at least RHS level 3 or above (or equivalent vocational experience)
• Experience of managing a diverse garden throughout the seasons and able to draw on your excellent knowledge of plants and plant care
• Knowledge and understanding of the conservation of historic landscapes and the ability to work with key management documents including Statement of Significance, Conservation Management Plan and the Garden Management Plan in order to retain as well as build upon the garden’s unique character
• Experience of personal contribution to the development and delivery of interventions and/or programming within gardens and the outdoors to enhance visitor engagement, drive visitor growth or deepen community connections
• Experience with managing operational risk and compliance requirements relevant to horticulture
• Experience with managing resources, budgets and work plans to ensure quality delivery

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places