Senior Gardener

Corporate Benefit Services; London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Gardener to enhance a historic medicinal garden in London. This role involves maintaining the garden's aesthetic and ecological integrity while engaging with the public through educational tours and social media. The ideal candidate will bring a solid background in horticulture, a passion for plant science, and the ability to lead a small team of volunteers. With a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a garden that tells the story of medicine through plants, all while enjoying a supportive workplace with numerous benefits.

Benefits

27 days holiday per annum

Group personal pension plan with 7% employer contribution

Interest-free season ticket loan

Life assurance

Annual pay award

Flexible working hours

Employee assistance programme

Occupational health team

Cycle to work scheme

Professional training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years professional horticultural experience required.
• Must hold PA1/PA6 spraying certificates.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining the college gardens to high standards.
• Manage garden tour bookings and social media accounts.

Skills

Horticultural experience

Pest and disease management

Plant knowledge

Teamwork and supervision

Education

Horticultural qualification (Level 2 RHS or equivalent)

Tools

Garden database management

Instagram for garden promotion

Job description

Senior Gardener

Regent's Park, London

£33,000 (£26,400 pro rata)

Working arrangements: 28 hours/4 days a week (to include a Friday). Core hours 8am to 4pm.

The Royal College of Physicians is recruiting a senior gardener. The garden, which is open to the public, covers just under an acre and is designed to tell the story of medicine through plants. It is run in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. The garden team of three gardeners and several volunteers (including eleven physicians) produces a range of publications such as books and trail leaflets and offers educational tours.

The garden team also collaborates with and enhances the work of other departments such as the Museum and Meetings and Events.

Purpose and scope

Key responsibilities

• The main purpose of this role is to assist in the advancement of the RCP’s medicinal garden as a place of scientific and historical importance. You will work under the supervision of the head gardener and the deputy to ensure that the college gardens and grounds are maintained to the highest standard.
• You will be closely involved in pest and disease management of the garden which is carried out using biological controls and sustainable methods.
• You will be required to manage the garden tour booking system and the garden Instagram account. You will understand and contribute to maintaining the garden database as directed by the plant records officer.
• You will be required to supervise volunteers and to take sole responsibility for the garden on occasion.

About you

You will have

• A minimum of 2 years full-time professional horticultural experience, preferably in a botanic or historic garden setting along with a horticultural qualification to at least level 2 RHS or equivalent.
• PA1/PA6 spraying certificates.
• Comprehensive plant knowledge and an interest in the uses of plants along with a familiarity with most gardening practices.
• Familiarity with pest and disease management.

You will be

• Reliable, punctual and energetic.
• Confident to work alone but also willing to work alongside other members of a small and supportive team and to supervise volunteers.
• Friendly and happy to engage with visitors.

Our benefits

Working at the RCP comes with lots of benefits designed to ensure that you feel valued and supported in your role. The benefits we offer include:

• 27 days holiday per annum
• Group personal pension plan with 7% employer contribution
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Life assurance
• Annual pay award
• Flexible working hours
• Employee assistance programme – 24/7 advice and support for any work-related issues as well as any problems affecting your home life
• Occupational health team – includes employment and work-related health assessments, health checks and work station assessments
• Cycle to work scheme
• Corporate eye care scheme
• Health cash plan
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Staff discounts platform – including discounts on cinema tickets and a range of high street brands

Closing date: 10th March 2025

Shortlisted candidates will be notified by: 12th March

Interview date: week beginning 17th March

The RCP positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.

The RCP is all about our people – our members, staff, volunteers and leaders. We educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know we can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. Welcoming into our community people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients we serve is a priority for us.