Landscape Operative (Gardener)

Derbyshire County Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Derbyshire County Council invites applications for Gardener at Elvaston Castle Country Park, a nationally significant historic estate with Victorian gardens and heritage features. You will join a small garden team, maintaining and developing Grade II listed grounds while supporting biodiversity and visitor enjoyment.

This role offers the chance to contribute to restoration programmes, work with volunteers and partners, and develop professional horticultural skills as Elvaston's landscape evolves

Qualifications

• You will be an experienced horticultural professional with a proven ability to maintain and develop high-quality gardens, parks or landscapes.
• Strong practical horticultural knowledge and experience.
• Experience of being part of a team.
• A commitment to high standards and attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and partners.
• A genuine passion for gardens, landscapes, heritage and nature.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the care and development of an important historic landscape.
• Shape horticultural standards and restoration programmes.
• Develop your skills.
• Work alongside volunteers, community groups and partners.
• Contribute to visitor engagement, events and interpretation.
• Help deliver environmental, heritage and wellbeing benefits for thousands of visitors every year.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Team experience

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Collaboration

Passion for gardens

Job description

Gardener - Elvaston Castle Country Park

Grade 6 | Countryside Service | Derbyshire County Council

Be part of the future of a nationally significant Registered Park & Gardens

This is an exciting opportunity to join the garden team at Elvaston Castle Country Park, a nationally important historic estate with stunning Victorian gardens, significant heritage features and a special place in the hearts of local communities.

Closing date: 04 October 2026

Gardener - Elvaston Castle Country Park

Grade 6 | Countryside Service | Derbyshire County Council

Be part of the future of a nationally significant Registered Park & Gardens

This is an exciting opportunity to join the garden team at Elvaston Castle Country Park, a nationally important historic estate with stunning Victorian gardens, significant heritage features and a special place in the hearts of local communities.

Under the Head Gardeners direction we are looking for an experienced and passionate gardener to help maintain, restore and development of the park's Grade II listed gardens and grounds. This is a role where you'll directly influence how one of Derbyshire's most iconic destinations looks, feels and evolves over the coming years.

It is an exciting time to join Elvaston. As the estate enters a new chapter of investment, restoration and long-term planning, you'll play a key role in shaping its future while protecting the unique character and heritage that makes it so special.

About The Role

As part of a small team, you will undertake horticultural maintenance and enhancement of Elvaston's gardens and landscape, ensuring they continue to provide an exceptional experience for visitors while supporting biodiversity and conserving the site's historic significance.

As part of a dedicated gardening team, you will work with and alongside contractors and volunteers, and work closely with colleagues, community partners and stakeholders who share a passion for Elvaston's future.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to the care and development of an important historic landscape.
• Shape horticultural standards and restoration programmes.
• Develop your skills.
• Work alongside volunteers, community groups and partners.
• Contribute to visitor engagement, events and interpretation.
• Help deliver environmental, heritage and wellbeing benefits for thousands of visitors every year.

About You

You will be an experienced horticultural professional with a proven ability to maintain and develop high-quality gardens, parks or landscapes.

You'll bring:

• Strong practical horticultural knowledge and experience.
• Experience of being part of a team.
• A commitment to high standards and attention to detail.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and partners.
• A genuine passion for gardens, landscapes, heritage and nature.

Most importantly, you'll share our ambition to elevate Elvaston as one of the finest historic country parks in the region.

Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 19th October 2026