Senior Gardener

hireful; Molesey; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A heritage charity is seeking a Senior Gardener to lead the Gardens Operations Team at Hampton Court Palace. This full-time role involves guiding team members and maintaining the gardens to a high standard. Applicants should have relevant horticultural qualifications, practical gardening skills, and strong teamwork abilities. Join a dedicated staff that values diversity and commitment to high-quality practices.

Qualifications

• Relevant horticultural qualifications such as City and Guilds or RHS.
• Broad knowledge of garden plants and modern horticultural techniques.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.

Responsibilities

• Guide and support team members and volunteers.
• Maintain the appearance of the Gardens and Estate.
• Carry out garden duties to a high standard.

Skills

Practical gardening skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Education

City and Guilds Practical Horticultural Level 1, 2, 3 or RHS Level 2 Certificate

Tools

Horticultural machinery

Job description

Senior Gardener

Home Palace: Hampton Court Palace
Status: Established/Permanent
Salary: £30,163 pa
Days/Hours of work: Full-time – 36 hours over 5 days per week

About the role and about you

Our client is the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and they’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. They want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share. They currently have an exciting opportunity to join their Gardens Operations Team as a Senior Gardener.

As the Senior Gardener in their team, you will lead by example. This role will involve guiding and supporting members of the team and volunteers to achieve the vision and objectives set out in the Gardens strategy while carrying out a wide range of garden duties to a high standard to maintain the appearance of the Gardens and Estate.

Applicants should have a range of practical skills as well as possess relevant horticultural qualifications such as City and Guilds Practical Horticultural Level 1, 2, 3 or RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture (or equivalent). Being qualified to use a wide range of horticultural machinery is critical, and a PA1 & PA6 spraying certificate is desirable.

Possessing broad knowledge of garden plants and modern horticultural techniques is essential, as well as an understanding of modern garden maintenance methods, machines, and equipment.

The ideal candidate will be organised, have basic IT skills and good communication skills along with the ability to provide a high level of customer service. You must be enthusiastic, have a positive can‑do attitude, and be able to work on your own initiative within a small, dedicated team and volunteers.

They are an equal opportunities employer and truly value a diverse workforce. Applications are welcome from candidates regardless of their background.

They are also committed to high quality safeguarding practices and to ensuring everyone is kept safe in their palaces. They have procedures in place to ensure this commitment is delivered and will deal firmly and swiftly with anyone representing their charity who does not meet their required standards.

Relevant experience

• Senior Gardener
• Head Gardener
• Garden Supervisor
• Horticultural Supervisor
• Estate Gardener
• Garden Manager
• Grounds Supervisor
• Horticulturist
• Garden Team Leader
• Landscape Maintenance Supervisor
• Arboretum Manager
• Parks and Gardens Officer
• Horticultural Technician
• Gardens Operations Lead
• Estate Grounds Manager

REF-225 298