Head Gardener | Luxury Estate Grounds Lead

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals provided

28 days holiday plus birthday

Discounted food/beverage

Staff events

Spa discounts

Employee referral bonus

Hotel discounts

Job summary

A prestigious country house hotel in Hertfordshire seeks a Head Gardener to lead and manage a small gardening team, shaping the estate’s grounds for years to come. You’ll work closely with the owners on long-term design and development, delivering planting schemes and landscape projects across 12 acres.

Required are 5+ years in horticulture, strong leadership, and a solid health & safety understanding. NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture is desirable, PA1/PA6 beneficial.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' practical horticultural experience.
• Excellent plant identification and horticultural knowledge.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Ability to plan and deliver landscaping and garden development projects.
• Sound understanding of Health & Safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a small team of gardeners.
• Work with owners on long-term vision and development of the gardens.
• Plan and implement planting schemes, landscaping projects and garden improvements.
• Propagate plants from seed and cuttings.
• Manage plant, shrub and tree care programmes.
• Oversee irrigation, planting, pruning, weeding and seasonal maintenance.

Skills

Team leadership

Plant identification

Landscaping

Budget management

Health & Safety

Project planning

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture

Scottish NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Tools

PA1 certification

PA6 certification

Job description

A prestigious country house hotel in Hertfordshire seeks a Head Gardener to lead and manage a small gardening team, shaping the estate’s grounds for years to come. You’ll work closely with the owners on long-term design and development, delivering planting schemes and landscape projects across 12 acres.

Required are 5+ years in horticulture, strong leadership, and a solid health & safety understanding. NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture is desirable, PA1/PA6 beneficial.