Head Gardener

TN United Kingdom; Reading; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head Gardener to maintain the prestigious grounds of Brookwood Cemetery. This role involves hands-on horticultural work, team leadership, and public engagement. You will collaborate closely with a dedicated horticultural team to uphold the dignity of historical sites. The position offers a unique opportunity to blend practical gardening skills with leadership responsibilities, ensuring the grounds are beautifully maintained while fostering a respectful atmosphere. Join a mission-driven organization that values diversity and offers generous benefits, including a robust pension scheme and ample holiday time.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus public holidays

Access to work van

Generous Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle To Work Scheme

Electric Vehicle Scheme

Qualifications

• Strong practical knowledge of horticultural techniques, including planting and pruning.
• Proven experience supervising teams and delivering training or mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds to high standards and oversee daily operations.
• Coordinate volunteer programmes and ensure compliance with health and safety policies.

Skills

Horticultural Techniques

Team Supervision

Health and Safety Knowledge

Computer Literacy

Full UK Manual Driving Licence

Education

BTEC National Diploma in Amenity Horticulture

NVQ Level 3 in Amenity Horticulture

Tools

High-end Tools

Work Van

Job description

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Location: Brookwood
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £29k - £31k per annum, depending upon skills and experience
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week, Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm

What You'll Be Doing
As our Head Gardener at Brookwood Cemetery, you'll play a key role in maintaining the grounds to high standards. You'll work closely with the Senior Head Gardener to plan and oversee the daily operations of both Brookwood and Runnymede Air Forces Memorial, including leading a dedicated static horticultural team.
Your days will involve a balance of hands-on horticultural work like planting, turf renovation, and pruning all the way to managing and mentoring team members and apprentices. You'll coordinate volunteer programmes and act as a point of contact for public engagement events. You'll also need to ensure your team are compliant with health and safety policies. From overseeing stock and machinery maintenance to conducting quality assessments, your leadership will be central to upholding the dignity and respect of these historical sites.

What You Need To Have

• A BTEC National Diploma or NVQ Level 3 in Amenity Horticulture (or equivalent)
• Strong practical knowledge of horticultural techniques, including planting, pruning, and turf maintenance
• Proven experience supervising teams, organising workloads, and delivering training or mentoring
• Knowledge of health and safety policies, including risk assessments, COSHH, and safe working practices
• A good level of computer literacy
• A full UK manual driving licence

Who We Are

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is an organisation dedicated to honouring and caring for the graves and memorials of servicemembers who died in the two World Wars. The work of the commission is not only out on the field, but also in our head office, which all contributes to the meaningful commemoration of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

What We Offer

• 25 days holiday, rising by 1 day per year of service + public holidays + a paid week off prior to Christmas all the way to New Years Day
• Access to a work van, PPE, uniform, and high-end tools
• Generous Pension Scheme, with CWGC contributing up to 10%
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle To Work & Electric Vehicle schemes

How To Apply
Apply via our Career Portal by clicking the 'Apply Now' button.
As this is an active role, we will be interviewing as we go along, and the role will close when we have an offer accepted by a preferred candidate.

We believe creating a diverse environment enriches our organisation and strengthens our mission, therefore, we welcome applications from everybody. Join our inclusive environment where every individual is valued.