Head Gardener – Live In

ECG Limited; England; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious horticultural organization is seeking a Head Gardener for Woodhall Park in Hertfordshire. The ideal candidate will manage various gardens, implement projects, and lead a team to maintain high standards. Ideal candidates will possess strong horticultural knowledge and flexibility to adapt to seasonal demands. This full-time position offers a salary of £40,000, along with numerous benefits including pension contributions and private healthcare.

Benefits

7% employer’s pension contribution

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Discounted gym membership

Employee support package

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing large gardens.
• Ability to design and implement planting schemes.
• Knowledge of heritage gardening, conservation, and biodiversity principles.

Responsibilities

• Manage and enhance the various gardens in Woodhall Park.
• Develop and implement new planting schemes.
• Ensure tidiness and presentation of external areas.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Team leadership

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Flexibility

Education

PA1/PA6 spraying certificates

Chainsaw certification

Tools

Gardening tools

Machinery

Job description

Head Gardener – Live In – Vacancy

We are seeking a highly passionate, detail-oriented, and practical horticulturist for Woodhall Park. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator with a collaborative attitude, flexible and adaptable to seasonal demands and occasional events.

Reporting to Head of Rural.

This new and exciting role at the 400 acre Woodhall Park, part of the wider 7,000 acre Woodhall Estate, in Hertfordshire. The gardens and grounds within the remit of this role are varied, as follows:

• The six-acre Walled Garden, recently restored and reputedly where Joseph Paxton started his working life,
  split into four quadrants.
• The six-acre Stables House Garden, a mature garden with magnificent views.
• Other smaller gardens overlooking the stunning parkland landscape.
• Prestigious entrances, drives and other public-facing areas.

The Head Gardener will take responsibility for all of the above, as well as contributing to wider estate work as a member of the approximately 20 strong Estate Team. At the present time there are no employed gardeners, due to the presence of a dedicated team of contractors, however following a review of resources and changing needs we are now creating this employed full-time role of Head Gardener.

The Head Gardener will be responsible for both day-to-day maintenance of the gardens, as well as project management of new schemes and infrastructure, all to the highest of standards. The postholder is expected to be both hands-on and managerial, and willing to do what it takes to ensure immaculate presentation of the gardens and grounds at all times. The role requires strong technical expertise, passion, creativity, and the ability to manage resources within a budget to ensure the gardens reflect the character and prestige of the Park.

The Head Gardener will be housed onsite, likely at The Stables House, rent free, and will be expected to be fully immersed in the presentation of the gardens, whilst also being available for out-of-hours work and emergencies.

Main Responsibilities:

Gardens Management

• Maintain, manage and enhance the various gardens in Woodhall Park.
• Develop and implement new projects, planting schemes, seasonal displays, and long-term garden improvement plans.
• Monitor plant health, soil quality, and pest/disease management.
• Implement sustainable and environmentally responsible gardening practices.
• Maintain glasshouses, orchards, kitchen gardens, and specialist collections.
• Ensure conservation and preservation of historic and heritage garden features.
• Provide assistance to the wider estate by arranging garden works at let or vacant properties.

Park Presentation

• Be responsible for ensuring tidiness and presentation of Guest House external areas ahead of any guests arriving.
• Be responsible for the maintenance of the park entrances, hard surfaces, driveways and verges.
• Prepare the walled gardens for weddings and events, and tidy afterwards.

Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor contractors/volunteers.
• Allocate daily tasks and oversee performance to ensure high standards.

Operational Duties

• Manage budgets for plants, tools, machinery, and supplies.
• Liaise with colleagues, contractors, and external specialists.
• Ensure all equipment and machinery are maintained and used safely.
• Maintain outdoor guest facilities, such as the swimming pool, tennis court, hot tubs etc.
• Be available out of hours.
• Keep accurate records of planting, maintenance, and seasonal work.
• Support the wider estate team with gardening assistance at let and vacant properties, or properties being renovated, needs arising

Requirements:

• Proven experience in managing large gardens.
• Strong horticultural knowledge.
• Ability to design and implement planting schemes.
• Knowledge of heritage gardening, conservation, and biodiversity principles.
• PA1/PA6 spraying certificates and chainsaw certification (desirable).
• Full UK driving licence.
• Passionate, creative, and detail-oriented horticulturist.
• Practical, hands-on approach with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong communicator with a collaborative attitude.
• Flexible and adaptable to seasonal demands and events

Hours: Full time

Salary: £40,000 DOE

Benefits: 7% employer’s pension contribution, private healthcare, life assurance, lifestyle benefits including discounted gym membership, comprehensive discounts and employee support package via Sage, as well as advantageous employment benefits.

DBS will be required.

For more information please click here to view the Candidate Pack.