Head Gardener

Overview

An exciting Head Gardener role has become available to take responsibility for a historically renowned landscape set within a diversified rural estate in southwest Scotland. The gardens are open to the public for 7 months of the year and are home to a wide collection of mature tree specimens and a diverse range of Rhododendron species.

The gardens cover 75 acres on an isthmus and feature sculpted landforms, tree-lined avenues, a Rhododendron collection, a round pond, champion trees and a variety of rare species. Formal areas include an ornamental walled garden with herbaceous planting, mixed perennial planting and formal lawns. The area’s micro-climate supports exotic plants that can grow and flourish here.

• Plan, oversee and implement the seasonal operations across the gardens, maintaining high presentation standards, particularly when open to the public.
• Manage an existing small team of gardeners with the aim of growing the team and implementing a volunteer programme.
• Ensure compliance with Estate Health and Safety Policy for all gardening staff and contractors.
• Develop and improve the landscape by managing tree and plant collections, identifying, labeling and recording the historic collection.
• Work with the owners to design and implement planting plans and displays, utilizing the unique micro-climate.
• Communicate effectively with the owners to plan annual and monthly activities.

• Previous Head Gardener experience with extensive plant knowledge.
• Strong staff management skills and the ability to develop a diverse plant collection within a historic landscape.
• Clear and demonstrable experience as Head Gardener, excellent attention to detail and a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
• At least six seasons of garden management experience; detailed knowledge of plants; physically fit with good hands-on gardening skills.

Accommodation is provided with this role; council tax will be paid by the employer with occupants responsible for utility bills. Pets and children are welcome.

SALARY:
Circa £45,000 DOE + Accommodation

LOCATION:
Dumfries and Galloway

JOB No: EC69957

If this Gardener is of interest, please apply below, call to speak to Sara Yassin on  or email inf

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this 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.

We are proud to work with:

• Professional Gardeners’ Guild
• RHS
• WFGA – offering the WRAGs Scheme
• Arne Maynard Garden Design
• Historic Houses
• HBG Training Programme

Tagged as:
Dumfries & Galloway, head gardener