Head Gardener Marlborough, England
Job description
Are you a motivational leader? Would you like the opportunity to lead all aspects of the maintenance of a six-acre Edwardian Garden in the heart of a World Heritage Site?
We’re looking for a Head Gardener to join us here at Avebury. Your role will be all about the conservation, preservation, day to day management and maintenance of a beautiful example of a primarily Arts & Crafts Garden, that has seen many changes through the centuries.
What it's like to work here:As Head Gardener for Avebury Manor Garden, you will be based at Avebury, reporting to the Operations Manager and being an integral part of the wider property and Wiltshire Landscape portfolio team. You will manage a diverse garden team consisting of a Gardener and Assistant Gardener and a team of over 20 dedicated volunteers.
Avebury is a complex, and very special place. It’s a World Heritage Site covering more than 6,000 years of history. At its heart is Europe’s largest megalithic stone circle which attracts people from all over the world. There is also an on-site museum displaying archaeological finds and explaining the history of the site, a sixteenth-century manor house and the six-acre Edwardian Garden. The site also features a National Trust shop, the Circles Restaurant, a holiday cottage, plus a variety of tenanted properties, and farms set in and around the village itself. All this within a designated World Heritage Site!
For more information about our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury
Avebury Manor Garden has developed over centuries. During its long history, many different people and families have called Avebury Manor their home and their stories and lives have shaped the garden as we see it today.
The National Trust have cared for the garden at Avebury since 1991. During this time, the team have carried out extensive renovation and re-planting to shape a garden that has seasonal highlights, horticultural diversity, and multi-sensory experiences. The garden contains a blend of formal and informal features; a productive walled kitchen garden, an orchard and wildflower meadow, herb and vegetable borders, potager beds, lawns and walkways alongside topiary and ornamental shrubs, all curated in harmony with the house which it encircles.
We are looking for somebody with vision and drive to continue evolving the garden into the future. Changes will be sympathetic to the garden’s history, whilst also looking to a future where environmental awareness, organic practices and gardening for well-being are at the centre of what we do.
What you'll be doing:You’ll be responsible for the day-to-day management of the garden staff and volunteers, leading your team to deliver a wide range of practical horticultural tasks, making sure that Avebury Manor Garden is maintained and presented consistently and well.
You’ll develop, enhance, and conserve the garden and ensure the smooth and professional delivery of projects. You’ll prioritise and allocate tasks appropriately and within budget, while always thinking of the bigger picture and the vision for the garden.
You’ll conserve and build on the restoration work and planning that has already been done, while exploring new ways to enhance the garden, improve its environmental credentials, and share both the historic and living story of our garden with our visitors. Ensuring a high quality, engaging, and enjoyable visitor experience and well-being will be at the heart of all you do.
- Experience of leading and managing teams of gardeners and volunteers.
- A love for sharing your knowledge and experience with volunteers, staff and visitors.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- RHS Level 3 (or equivalent) as well as practical gardening/horticulture experience.
- An excellent understanding of horticultural techniques and plant identification.
- Experience in creating garden management plans.
- Understanding of operational risk and experience of relevant health & safety best practice including horticultural machinery/equipment and compliance.
- Experience in managing budgets and small contracts and projects.
- Experience in facilitating engaging visitor activities and events.
- Understanding of sustainable and organic garden practices.
The packageThe National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Tax free childcare scheme
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most locations
- Independent financial advice
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)
