Senior Gardener

ECG Limited; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Senior Gardener to lead the management of a beautiful garden in Cornwall. The role includes overseeing horticultural projects, engaging with volunteers, and acting as an ambassador for the garden. Accommodation is provided.

Benefits

Accommodation provided

Rent-free cottage

Partners, dependents, and pets welcome

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of plant care and soil management.
• Experience in a similar environment is essential.
• Knowledge of woodland management is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the gardens, including planting plans and conservation projects.
• Coordinate volunteer activities and ensure proper training.
• Act as an ambassador at events, promoting the garden's work.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Horticultural Expertise

Ecological Sustainability

Education

Recognised Horticultural Qualification

Job description

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An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and passionate Senior Gardener to lead the management and development of one of Cornwall’s most enchanting natural spaces. This is a rewarding role for an enthusiastic gardener who thrives in a hands-on position and is dedicated to preserving and developing beautiful gardens. The Senior Gardener will play a key role in shaping the garden’s future; contributing to planting plans, conservation projects, and visitor engagement initiatives, working closely with the lead Trustee, the Estate Manager and external specialists.

Renowned for its sweeping views over the Lynher Estuary, the site offers its visitors approximately 100-acres with a mix of landscaped parkland, ancient woodland, and beautifully curated planting. The gardens are particularly celebrated for their extensive collection of camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons, which bring vibrant bursts of colour throughout the seasons. As a recognised International Camellia Garden of Excellence, the gardens feature an impressive array of rare and exotic specimens, carefully cultivated to thrive in Cornwall’s mild climate. The winding pathways lead visitors through open glades, past serene ponds, and beneath towering trees, creating an ever-changing landscape of textures and colours.

As Senior Gardener, you will be responsible for the overall management, maintenance, and ongoing development of the gardens. This role demands a blend of horticultural expertise, strong leadership, and organisational skills to ensure the continued success and enhancement of the garden. The role also includes assisting with the smooth operation of public garden openings, including leading guided tours for visitors. You will oversee and instruct contractors working within the garden and may be required to carry out occasional work in other gardens on estate. Other duties may be assigned as necessary, in line with the responsibilities of the role.

The owners are keen to expand the involvement of volunteers within the gardens, recognising the valuable contribution they can make to the maintenance and development of the site. Whether through local community engagement, apprenticeship schemes, or charity partnerships, volunteers will play an important role in supporting the work of the Senior Gardener. As Senior Gardener, you will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing volunteer activities, ensuring they receive appropriate guidance and training while fostering an inclusive and rewarding experience for all participants. Encouraging volunteer involvement will not only enhance the garden’s upkeep but also strengthen its connection with the wider community.

In addition to horticultural duties, the Senior Gardener will act as an ambassador at flower shows, lectures, and presentations, helping to promote and share the garden’s work with a wider audience. Another key part of the role involves devising and managing a comprehensive work programme to maintain and improve the garden’s plant collections, pathways, and overall landscape. The gardener will be responsible for maintaining accurate records and labelling of plants, ensuring that the garden’s botanical significance is preserved and documented. Financial management will also be important, as you will work in collaboration with the Estate Manager to help prepare cash flows and monitor expenditure.

A strong understanding of plant care, soil management, and ecological sustainability is essential, as is a passion for maintaining and enhancing historic landscapes. The ideal candidate will have good hands-on experience in a similar environment, with a recognised horticultural qualification. Leadership skills, good communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are crucial, as is a keen eye for detail and a genuine love for plants and nature. A knowledge of woodland management and an understanding of Cornwall’s unique growing conditions would be highly advantageous. This is a rewarding role for an enthusiastic gardener who thrives in a hands-on position, enjoys working in a team, and is dedicated to preserving and developing one of Cornwall’s most beautiful gardens. The role would suit someone who has acquired sufficient relevant experience and who has the energy and ambition to step up to the next level.

Accommodation is provided with this role in the form of a three-bedroom cottage, with partners, dependents, and pets welcome. The property is unfurnished and includes its own garage and garden. It is offered rent-free, with the Senior Gardener responsible for covering council tax and utility bills.

The role is based on a 40-hour working week with holiday entitlement being 22 days + Bank Holidays. Please note, the successful candidate will be subject to extensive reference checks both written and verbal.

LOCATION: Nr Torpoint, Southeast Cornwall

To find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view ourprivacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Senior Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.

Tagged as: Cornwall, full time, Live In, Senior Gardener

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and passionate Senior Gardener to lead the management and development of one of Cornwall’s most enchanting natural spaces. This is a rewarding role for an enthusiastic gardener who thrives in a hands-on position and is dedicated to preserving and developing beautiful gardens. The Senior Gardener will play a key role in shaping the garden’s future; contributing to planting plans, conservation projects, and visitor engagement initiatives, working closely with the lead Trustee, the Estate Manager and external specialists.

Renowned for its sweeping views over the Lynher Estuary, the site offers its visitors approximately 100-acres with a mix of landscaped parkland, ancient woodland, and beautifully curated planting. The gardens are particularly celebrated for their extensive collection of camellias, magnolias, and rhododendrons, which bring vibrant bursts of colour throughout the seasons. As a recognised International Camellia Garden of Excellence, the gardens feature an impressive array of rare and exotic specimens, carefully cultivated to thrive in Cornwall’s mild climate. The winding pathways lead visitors through open glades, past serene ponds, and beneath towering trees, creating an ever-changing landscape of textures and colours.

As Senior Gardener, you will be responsible for the overall management, maintenance, and ongoing development of the gardens. This role demands a blend of horticultural expertise, strong leadership, and organisational skills to ensure the continued success and enhancement of the garden. The role also includes assisting with the smooth operation of public garden openings, including leading guided tours for visitors. You will oversee and instruct contractors working within the garden and may be required to carry out occasional work in other gardens on estate. Other duties may be assigned as necessary, in line with the responsibilities of the role.

The owners are keen to expand the involvement of volunteers within the gardens, recognising the valuable contribution they can make to the maintenance and development of the site. Whether through local community engagement, apprenticeship schemes, or charity partnerships, volunteers will play an important role in supporting the work of the Senior Gardener. As Senior Gardener, you will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing volunteer activities, ensuring they receive appropriate guidance and training while fostering an inclusive and rewarding experience for all participants. Encouraging volunteer involvement will not only enhance the garden’s upkeep but also strengthen its connection with the wider community.

In addition to horticultural duties, the Senior Gardener will act as an ambassador at flower shows, lectures, and presentations, helping to promote and share the garden’s work with a wider audience. Another key part of the role involves devising and managing a comprehensive work programme to maintain and improve the garden’s plant collections, pathways, and overall landscape. The gardener will be responsible for maintaining accurate records and labelling of plants, ensuring that the garden’s botanical significance is preserved and documented. Financial management will also be important, as you will work in collaboration with the Estate Manager to help prepare cash flows and monitor expenditure.

A strong understanding of plant care, soil management, and ecological sustainability is essential, as is a passion for maintaining and enhancing historic landscapes. The ideal candidate will have good hands-on experience in a similar environment, with a recognised horticultural qualification. Leadership skills, good communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are crucial, as is a keen eye for detail and a genuine love for plants and nature. A knowledge of woodland management and an understanding of Cornwall’s unique growing conditions would be highly advantageous. This is a rewarding role for an enthusiastic gardener who thrives in a hands-on position, enjoys working in a team, and is dedicated to preserving and developing one of Cornwall’s most beautiful gardens. The role would suit someone who has acquired sufficient relevant experience and who has the energy and ambition to step up to the next level.

Accommodation is provided with this role in the form of a three-bedroom cottage, with partners, dependents, and pets welcome. The property is unfurnished and includes its own garage and garden. It is offered rent-free, with the Senior Gardener responsible for covering council tax and utility bills.

The role is based on a 40-hour working week with holiday entitlement being 22 days + Bank Holidays. Please note, the successful candidate will be subject to extensive reference checks both written and verbal.

LOCATION: Nr Torpoint, Southeast Cornwall

To find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view ourprivacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Senior Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.

Tagged as: Cornwall, full time, Live In, Senior Gardener