Head Gardener & Public Spaces Leader

Horticulture Jobs; Greater London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary range £44,150-£48,979 per year

Leave: 24 days

LGPS

Learning & development

Employee volunteering

Wellbeing support

City of London benefits

Job summary

City of London Corporation is recruiting a Head Gardener for Queen’s Park in North London. You’ll lead the Gardening Team, including apprentices and volunteers, balancing horticultural operations with park-wide responsibilities and community engagement.

You’ll deliver seasonal planting schemes, manage contractors, support events, and drive projects to keep the park welcoming, safe and beautifully presented for visitors.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 in Horticulture or equivalent.
• Strong practical horticultural knowledge.
• Experience working within parks, gardens, open spaces or similar environments.
• Experience supervising staff, volunteers or contractors.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Experience operating horticultural machinery and equipment.
• A full UK driving licence.
• A positive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.
• A commitment to delivering high standards and excellent visitor experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Gardening Team, including the gardener, apprentices and volunteers.
• Balancing time between gardening maintenance and park responsibilities.
• Deliver seasonal planting schemes and landscape improvements.
• Plan and deliver horticultural projects.
• Assist with the day-to-day operation and management of the park.
• Support events, activities and community engagement.
• Work with contractors, user groups and stakeholders.
• Maintain Green Flag Award standards and contribute to future improvements.
• Ensure the park remains welcoming, safe and enjoyable for all visitors.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Horticulture

Staff supervision

Machinery use

Driving licence

Public engagement

Adaptable

High standards

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Horticulture

Job description

City of London Corporation is recruiting a Head Gardener for Queen’s Park in North London. You’ll lead the Gardening Team, including apprentices and volunteers, balancing horticultural operations with park-wide responsibilities and community engagement.

You’ll deliver seasonal planting schemes, manage contractors, support events, and drive projects to keep the park welcoming, safe and beautifully presented for visitors.