Lead Gardener for Historic Garden & Propagation

Education First; Little Gaddesden; Remote; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals on duty

Free on-site parking

Free access to onsite gym and pool

Pension scheme

Job summary

Ashridge House is seeking a passionate Crafts Gardener to lead hands-on maintenance of the Grade II* listed Formal Gardens in Ashridge. You will supervise seasonal planting, bedding schemes and lawn care while preserving heritage landscapes for public visitors.

The role requires leadership, horticultural expertise, and a commitment to sustainable practices. Enjoy staff meals, gym access, pension and healthcare, plus free onsite parking in a historic setting.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in a supervisory role within a historic garden open to the public.
• Full driving licence.
• Excellent horticultural knowledge and experience - including glasshouse propagation.
• Chainsaw licence CS30/31/32.
• People management experience – training/coaching/mentoring and developing people.
• Understanding of H&S and COSHH legislation and experience of writing risk assessments.
• 25 days paid holiday each year plus bank holidays.
• Staff meals whilst on duty.
• Free access to onsite gym and pool.
• Access to the company pension scheme and healthcare schemes.
• Free on-site parking.

Responsibilities

• Prioritisation and implementation of seasonal maintenance of the Formal Gardens, (seasonal bedding, herbaceous borders, lawns, including trees, hedges, shrubs, roses)
• Assist in organising and carrying out landscaping and planting schemes
• Use and maintenance of garden tools, machinery and vehicles as necessary, including hired machinery
• Ensure the irrigation systems are managed sustainably
• Coordinate the general maintenance of, and propagation in the glasshouses and coldframes
• Manage the propagation and cultivation nursery stock (herbaceous and annual plants). Including liaison with suppliers and record keeping
• The appropriate, timely and safe use of pesticides & herbicides including record keeping

Skills

Supervisory experience

Full driving licence

Horticultural knowledge

Chainsaw licence CS30/31/32

People management

Risk assessments (H&S / COSHH)

Vehicle/machinery operation

Sustainable irrigation / environmental

Job description

Ashridge House is seeking a passionate Crafts Gardener to lead hands-on maintenance of the Grade II* listed Formal Gardens in Ashridge. You will supervise seasonal planting, bedding schemes and lawn care while preserving heritage landscapes for public visitors.

The role requires leadership, horticultural expertise, and a commitment to sustainable practices. Enjoy staff meals, gym access, pension and healthcare, plus free onsite parking in a historic setting.