Head Gardener, Scotland

Horticulture Jobs; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Horatio’s Garden in Glasgow is seeking a Head Gardener to oversee the hospital garden, nurture patient-focused activities and lead a part-time Garden Coordinator and volunteers. You will work with NHS staff and Horatio’s Garden colleagues to create a welcoming, thriving space for patients and visitors.

The role requires practical gardening expertise, leadership experience and a commitment to eco-conscious gardening, biodiversity and safe practices.

Qualifications

• Practical gardener with garden management experience.
• RHS Level 3 or equivalent Diploma in Horticulture.
• Experience leading and managing teams.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and IT skills (Office 365).

Responsibilities

• Maintain high horticultural standards and seasonal planting plans.
• Lead patient-focused gardening activities and access projects.
• Recruit and manage garden volunteers and the Garden Coordinator.
• Develop relationships with NHS staff, supporters and partners.
• Oversee health, safety, safeguarding and budget reporting.

Skills

Gardening experience

Team leadership

Volunteer management

Stakeholder engagement

IT skills (MS Office)

Education

RHS Level 3 or Diploma in Horticulture

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

SharePoint

Job description

Are you an enthusiastic, confident and experienced gardener? We are seeking a Head Gardener to join our team in Scotland, nurturing and developing one of the region’s most exciting hospital gardens. Working alongside the Patient Experience Manager, you will oversee the care and development of the garden, support patients with spinal injuries, and help create a welcoming, thriving space for everyone who uses it. You will lead a part-time Garden Coordinator and volunteer team, build relationships with NHS staff, supporters and partners, and work closely with colleagues across Horatio’s Garden. You will also play a key role in delivering patient-focused activities, improving access to the garden, and leading events including garden tours and fundraising open days.

Job Title: Head Gardener Location: National Spinal Injuries Centre, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow Salary: £38,470 Contract: Permanent. Full time Closing Date: 8th November 2026 at midnight.

Job Description

Horticulture

Maintain high horticultural standards at all times to keep the garden looking it’s best all year round Work to the garden maintenance plan, agreed with the designer, to develop and implement seasonal growing plans to ensure all year-round colour Be a driving force in eco-conscious gardening, water management, and biodiversity initiatives Run a varied programme of gardening sessions both individually and in groups for people with spinal injuries

People with spinal injuries

Working closely with the Patient Experience Manager to develop relationships with patients and families to ensure the best experience for them in the garden at every stage of their stay Maintain a consistent garden activities programme appropriate for the current patient group, ensuring everything is patient led and an alternative to the hospital environment. Lead on developing a gardening role for patients who are on delayed discharge and interested in pursuing their interest/skills Work with the Impact Assistant and wider team to monitor the impact of the garden Lead on the garden doors project for patients to have easier access into the woodland garden

NHS staff

Develop and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with NHS clinical teams, estates and voluntary services

Volunteers

Recruitment and training of new volunteers to support with the gardening Manage the team of garden volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the garden and all processes are adhered to

Fundraising and Communications

Work with Fundraising Managers and volunteers to develop opportunities to generate income in the garden through friends, corporate friends and third-party fundraising Support corporate sponsor events and fundraising opportunities and lead when it is gardening related Support with promotion on all local social media accounts and provide regular updates for content Represent the garden and charity at key events Lead all gardening related events Interviews with press/media as required

Administrative

Ensure all administrative tasks associated with the role are monitored, completed and maintained, with assistance from the Garden Coordinator Assist with ensuring the garden rooms are kept clean and tidy at all times Manage the local garden budget Regular monthly reporting of gardening, maintenance and patient activities

Health & Safety

Ensure the timely maintenance of all buildings, fixtures and fittings in the garden Organise and supervise any maintenance contractors Maintain all tools and equipment in safe working order Ensure all work in the garden is completed in a safe manner

Safeguarding

Comply with all safeguarding policies and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead immediately This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Person Specification

Knowledge and skills Essential Practical experience as a gardener, including experience of garden management RHS Level 3 or equivalent Diploma in Principles and Practices of Horticulture Experience of leading and managing teams Experience of working with volunteers Confident to work with and supervise contractors Stakeholder engagement and networking Good IT skills, specifically proficient with Microsoft Office 365: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint Interest in the wellbeing benefits of gardens

Desirable

Experience of delivering Social and Therapeutic Horticulture sessions Experience of volunteer recruitment and training Experience of building maintenance Experience of using SharePoint Budget management experience Knowledge of using social media to promote activities and events Experience of working with the NHS or in a health care setting Voluntary sector experience Digital photography

Qualities

Outstanding interpersonal skills, with the ability to successfully develop new working relationships Professional and confident Excellent communication skills Proactive, can-do attitude Empathetic and kind Calm under pressure Ability to prioritise and adapt to the changing needs of each working day Self-motivated and capable of working with the minimum of direction but understanding the limits of your knowledge and able to seek advice when required Able to meet the physical demands of the role

As a Charity we are committed to creating and promoting a culture that protects and preserves the welfare of the vulnerable people in our care. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining and evaluating information from and about candidates including criminal record checks, to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work for our Charity.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all sectors of society.

NOTE: DBS, medical and reference checks will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.