Head Gardener

Job Summary:
The Head Gardener will be responsible for overseeing our 10-acre small holding in a lovely location. Development and enhancement of the gardens and grounds. This role involves leading a small team of gardeners /and smallholder staff, planning seasonal planting schemes, ensuring high horticultural standards, and managing garden projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive horticultural knowledge, leadership skills, and a passion for creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Garden Maintenance & Development
- Plan, design, and implement planting schemes to ensure year-round interest.
- Oversee all aspects of garden care, including pruning, weeding, mulching, fertilizing, and pest control.
- Manage lawns, hedges, borders, and ornamental features to a high standard.
- Propagate plants, manage large greenhouse operations, and maintain plant health.

2. Team Management, Working alongside the farm manager to ensure smooth operations including

- Supervise, train, and motivate gardening / smallholder staff and volunteers.
- Delegate tasks effectively and ensure work is completed to a high standard.
- Conduct performance reviews and provide guidance for skill development.

3. Project Management
- Plan and execute garden projects such as new planting schemes, landscaping, and infrastructure improvements.
- Procure supplies, and liaise with contractors when necessary.
- Ensure tools, equipment, and machinery are maintained and used safely.

4. Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship
- Promote organic and sustainable gardening practices.
- Implement water conservation strategies and wildlife-friendly gardening techniques.
- Manage composting and recycling of green waste.

5. Record-Keeping & Planning
- Maintain Garden records, including plant inventories, maintenance schedules,

- Develop seasonal work plans and long-term garden development strategies.

Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Education: Formal horticultural qualification (e.g., RHS Level 3,) or equivalent experience).
- Experience: Minimum 5 years in professional gardening, including supervisory roles.
- Technical Skills:
- Proficient in plant identification, soil management, and pest/disease control.
- Experience with garden machinery (e.g., mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers).
- Knowledge of irrigation systems and garden design principles.
- Soft Skills:
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.
- Knowledge of controlling pest via organic methods

Highly experienced in growing fruit and vegetables in all outdoor and undercover settings.

Desirable Attributes:
-Knowledge of looking after small farm animals
-DIY skills

- Interest in continental fruit trees,

Working Conditions:
- Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
- Physical demands (lifting, bending, operating machinery).
- Weekend/seasonal work may be required.

Benefits:
- e.g., pension, training opportunities, 20 days paid annual leave.

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Weekend availability

Work Location: On the road