Head Gardener

Longleat; Warminster; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Head Gardener to lead a passionate team managing the historic gardens at Longleat. The role involves overseeing the garden's maintenance, developing planting programs, and promoting its rich heritage, creating a unique and engaging environment for guests. The position offers opportunities for professional growth within a vibrant and captivating setting.

Benefits

29 days holiday rising to 31 days at 5 years service

Unlimited free entry to Longleat for employees

50% off Membership for Friends and Family

Discounts on food and beverages

Discretionary bonus scheme

Employer contributory pension scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience working in varied garden environments.
• Good knowledge of garden maintenance equipment and machinery.
• Supervisory experience for coaching and mentoring a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage all day-to-day aspects of the gardens.
• Lead a guest-focused culture delivering high standards.
• Assist with the development of a planned planting programme.

Skills

Horticultural skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

NVQ Level 3, RHS Level 3, degree level or equivalent

Tools

Garden maintenance equipment

Job description

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What does this role entail?

Reporting to the Head of Facilities, you will inspire a team of gardeners to develop and deliver a clear and coherent vision for the garden’s future direction. Utilising an appreciation for the heritage contained within the Longleat Estate gardens and grounds, and demonstrable skills and experience, the role will ensure Longleat exceeds expectations with respect to standards of conservation, presentation and engagement. Your bedrock will be the Longleat Estate Heritage Management Plan.

What does this role entail?

Reporting to the Head of Facilities, you will inspire a team of gardeners to develop and deliver a clear and coherent vision for the garden’s future direction. Utilising an appreciation for the heritage contained within the Longleat Estate gardens and grounds, and demonstrable skills and experience, the role will ensure Longleat exceeds expectations with respect to standards of conservation, presentation and engagement. Your bedrock will be the Longleat Estate Heritage Management Plan.

Key Duties Will Include

• To curate the gardens at Longleat so that its history and artistic integrity are conserved and presented in an exemplary manner and documented to according to the Longleat Estate Heritage Management Plan and nationally recognised standards.
• To manage all day to day aspects of the formal gardens, lawns, borders, hedge maze, horticultural displays, and ensuring their appropriate presentation and cyclic maintenance. To lead a guest focused culture (internal and external) that delivers exemplary standards of garden and landscape management, maintenance, presentation, interpretation and promotion.
• Responsible for the day to day running of the garden and supervision of staff, to ensure that appropriate horticultural standards are maintained, guided by the conservation management plan.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the garden, its history and plant collections. Undertake and assist research into the garden, landscape and plant collections as directed by the Longleat Masterplan and development of guest offering on Heritage.
• To support on site based garden and landscape project management and co-ordination of small and medium capital developments and provide support to the project teams for large capital projects.
• To assist management of contracts and contractors on the site in respect to the gardens and landscape, ensuring works are carried out in a safe manner, to the standard appropriate for the site and in conjunction with other activities on site.
• To assist with the development of a planned 12 month planting programme to ensure we always look at our best for our guests this will include achieving key deadline dates through the year.
• To Support with the ordering and purchasing of plants as per our planned programme.
  
  

What will I need to be considered for this vacancy?

• Good general level of education and specialist qualifications with proven experience working in a varied garden environment.
• NVQ level 3, RHS level 3, degree level or equivalent.
• A passion for and great understanding of plants and horticulture.
• Good knowledge of and experience with garden maintenance equipment and machinery (strimmers, hedge cutters, chainsaws, mowers, tractors etc) .
• Extensive hands-on experience working in a large garden/estate, with strong horticultural skills and technical knowledge.
• Supervisory experience for coaching and mentoring team.
• Track record of managing third-party suppliers and sub-contractors to deliver optimum performance.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills for effective management of workloads and deadlines.
• A self-motivated approach and flexible with hours dependent on workload and season.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are essential as the gardens are open to guests all year round.
  
  

A Little About Us

At Longleat we offer a day out like no other, our guests are invited to step into the Thynn family home where they will find the finest example of Elizabethan Architecture. They are also immersed into the wild side, where they can visit over 120 species of animals by car, foot, train, bus, and boat.

With a core business welcoming around 1 million guests every year, we are passionate about providing unforgettable experiences that bring family and friends together to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Our values

We believe in engaging and inspiring our employees, putting people first, taking accountability, continuously improving, and acting with integrity. We invite everyone who works with us to subscribe to these values, as they truly set us apart as a place to work.

Why join the Longleat team?

In this unique work environment, you will be surrounded by historic landscapes and listed buildings, all whilst listening to our lions roar and wolves howl. You will even have the opportunity to visit our adorable Koalas and cheeky meerkats during your lunch break.

You Will Receive Attractive Benefits That Include

• 29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, rising to 31 days at 5 years’ service.
• Unlimited free entry to Longleat for our employees
• Complimentary tickets to Longleat and Cheddar Gorge and Caves, 18 per annum pro rata
• 50% off Membership for Friends and Family
• Discounts on food and beverages and retail merchandise
• Discounts on VIP Experiences and Accommodation
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Perks at work
• Range of flexible working schemes
• Great progression opportunities available.
  
  

Your contract

This is a permanent 40 hour contract, working 5 days out of 7 with working hours to vary over a 7 day rota basis, including weekends, evening and bank holidays as required. Start time and finish times varying in accordance with opening times.

Sounds great! How do I apply?

If you are interested in this role, please apply online. Interviews may take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if enough suitable applicants are received.

No Agency Please.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Associate

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

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