Head of Gardens and Landscape

Employer:

The Mac Robert Trust

Location:

Tarland, Aberdeenshire

Salary:
Circa £50,000

Hours:

Full Time

Place Of Work:
Onsite

Closing date: 12 November 2026

Contract Type:
Permanent

Function:
Garden and Landscape Design Jobs, Gardening Jobs, Grower Jobs, Horticulture

Sector:
Botanic Gardens, Charity & Voluntary, Growing

Seniority:
Director/ Head/ VP

At the heart of this opportunity are the magnificent 17-acre RHS Partner Gardens at Douneside House. Originally developed by Sir Alexander and Lady Mac Robert, these exceptional gardens are a remarkable horticultural legacy, featuring Arts and Crafts terraces, ornamental and productive gardens, an arboretum, rock and stream gardens, and spectacular views across the Howe O’ Cromar and the Grampian Mountains. We are committed to safeguarding this important heritage, maintaining the highest horticultural standards and ensuring the gardens continue to flourish for future generations.

We are looking for someone who combines horticultural expertise and strong leadership with creativity, enthusiasm and a genuine desire to involve others. Someone who will take pride in being the custodian of an exceptional garden, while recognising its potential to inspire, educate and benefit people well beyond the garden gates.

• Provide strategic and hands‑on leadership for the gardens and designed landscapes, preserving their heritage while planning restoration, planting and future improvements.
• Lead, coach and develop the gardens team and trainees, and oversee our respected RHS‑approved Horticultural Training Scheme, welcoming up to six trainees each year.
• Champion biodiversity, sustainable growing and community involvement, including the Alastrean Woods Reimagine Project to transform approximately 100 acres of forestry into a community nature reserve.
• Work with Douneside House to create outstanding guest experiences through garden tours, events, workshops and seasonal produce.
• Manage budgets, resources, safety and partnerships, contributing to the Trust’s 10 Goals for 10 Years strategy and Destination Douneside ambitions

You will bring substantial practical horticultural experience, including managing established gardens or significant planted landscapes; RHS Level 3 or equivalent demonstrable experience; strong technical knowledge; proven team leadership; and experience of planning work and managing budgets. You will be an engaging, collaborative leader with a commitment to sustainability, education and community benefit.

• 30 days’ annual leave rising to 38 days
• 9% employer pension
• income protection and life insurance
• discounted food and stays at Douneside House
• supported professional memberships
• paid volunteer leave and matched fundraising
• enhanced family‑friendly policies. Accommodation is not provided.

At The Mac Robert Trust, our work is rooted in a long‑standing commitment to charitable purpose and lasting impact. From our historic estate in Tarland to the charitable activities we support, we are proud of our heritage while remaining ambitious about how we evolve and serve communities in meaningful ways.