Horticulturist

Shared Services Partnership; Romsey; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A County Council Gardens Department is seeking a Horticulturist to work at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, contributing to the upkeep of a stunning natural landscape and engaging with over 300,000 visitors annually. The role requires a recognised horticulturist qualification and strong plant knowledge, and involves various outdoor responsibilities including maintenance and public tours. A flexible and inclusive workplace is offered, in line with safety and welfare commitments. Weekend work is also a part of this role, ensuring comprehensive team interaction.

Benefits

Holiday entitlement

Pension scheme

Flexi-time scheme

Family-friendly policies

Interest-free travel loans and discounts

Qualifications

• Hands-on gardening ability in various weather conditions.
• Previous experience in a public or private garden.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the gardens through pruning, planting, and irrigation.
• Engage with visitors, providing public tours and workshops.

Skills

Hands-on gardening

Strong plant knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Team player

Ability to perform strenuous tasks

Education

Recognised horticulturist qualification

Job description

Job Reference: HCC622904
Salary Range: £25,186 - £26,244 per annum
Work Location: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 15 February 2026
Interview Date: 26 February 2026
Exciting opportunities at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

The Role:

With 180 acres of stunning landscape, our Gardens, established in 1953, are not only a haven of natural beauty but also a dynamic outdoor classroom that inspires curiosity and learning. You’ll be working alongside professionals who share a deep passion for plants and the environment, contributing to one of the largest collections of temperate plants in the northern hemisphere—including 14 National Collections and over 600 Champion Trees.
Each year, over 300,000 visitors admire the work of our team, and your contributions will help shape their experience.

What you’ll do:

• Flexibility to work across the gardens within different areas.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for engaging with colleagues, students and visitors.
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently, manage their own workload and plan and coordinate tasks effectively.
• Candidates must be physically fit and capable of performing strenuous tasks in a demanding outdoor environment.
• General garden maintenance, seasonal pruning and planting, plant aftercare and irrigation and plant recording.
• Working closely with our visitors including public tours and workshops.

What we’re looking for:

• Hands‑on gardening and an all‑weather approach will be part of your engaging nature.
• Holds a recognised horticulturist qualification.
• Strong plant knowledge.
• Previous experience in a public or private garden.
• A team player with excellent communication skills.
• This role does include some weekend work; you will be working 5 in 7 days.

Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi‑time scheme, family‑friendly policies and interest‑free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace.
We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.
If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!

Additional Information:

Horticulturist Candidate Pack

Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.