Head Gardener

NATIONAL TRUST; Penzance; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known heritage organization in Penzance seeks a Head Gardener to oversee vital gardens. The role involves leading teams, managing budgets, and enhancing visitor engagement through innovative practices. Ideal candidates have extensive horticultural knowledge and strong leadership skills. Benefits include substantial pension contributions, flexible working options, and discounts on various services.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Experience managing gardens throughout the seasons.
• Excellent knowledge of plants and plant care.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Experience with operational risk and horticulture compliance.
• Dedicated to fostering an inclusive team culture.
• Expertise in managing resources and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead garden teams to deliver maintenance and conservation.
• Manage day-to-day work schedules and budgets.
• Enhance visitor engagement through events.
• Collaborate closely with the visitor experience team.
• Support a culture of inclusivity.
• Work with property teams to improve garden access.

Skills

Gardening expertise

Team management

Client engagement

Budget 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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head Gardener to join the team in the West Cornwall group, managing and caring for two amazing gardens and their plant collections.

Salary: £30,966 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

We are looking for someone to bring their passion, knowledge and expertise to lead our garden teams in caring for these two beautiful yet distinctly different Cornish gardens at Godolphin and Trengwainton. We want to welcome all our visitors and for them to enjoy the experience of visiting such significant places and provide opportunities to join us in caring for our places

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 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:

• Leads the delivery of long-term garden direction and conservation principles within a smaller-scale property context.
• Manages resources, compliance and planning to deliver high standards of horticulture and visitor experience.
• Applies practical horticultural knowledge to maintain and enhance the garden’s significance and sustainability.
• Leads a small team of staff and volunteers to deliver garden objectives and foster inclusive working culture.
• Builds relationships and shares horticultural knowledge to enhance public understanding
• Manages budgets, plans and resources to ensure efficient garden operations and delivery.

Additional criteria for all other applicants.

• experienced in managing a varied garden in all seasons
• able to draw on your excellent knowledge of plants and plant care
• comfortable talking to all kinds of people and sharing your knowledge and expertise
• used to managing operational risk and compliance requirements relevant to horticulture
• committed to working as part of a wider team to build a culture of inclusion
• adept at managing resources, budgets and plans to make sure work gets done on time and to the highest standards
• qualified to RHS level 3 or above (or the equivalent vocational experience).

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
• 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