Head Gardener

Job Description

Summary Our Head Gardener role offers the best elements of heritage gardening and conservation, with a strong nature and community focus. Youll lead the garden and its rich history with creativity and innovation, while advocating for the importance of accessible,beautiful, nature-rich, urban green space.Ham House and Garden is amongst the most significant places in the Trusts ownership. Its a rare 17th century survival, a place of exquisite symmetry and structure, a centre of pioneering collecting and design, telling stories of perilous political machinationsand strong women.Its also a property embracing innovation, relevance, and future thinking, with the garden pioneering best practices in nature-friendly, heritage gardening. From climate change mitigation and kitchen garden productivity to the community working, Hams gardenis always developing, all whilst holding ourselves to the highest standards of horticulture and presentation.Please note that the base salary for this role is £35,172with an additional London weighting allowance of £2,828. What its like to work here Ham is the most visited pay-for-entry National Trust property in London, and a lot of that is thanks to an exemplary garden and outdoors offering. From the highly productive kitchen garden and the 500,000 spring bulbs planted in the Plats to the Wildernessand Terrace borders, Hams gardens have been designed to impress since the 17th century.The 12-acre garden re-creates what historically might have been, following work in the 1970s to reinstate 17th century character. Today our dedicated team lovingly tends this secluded garden oasis alongside two flood meadows, carefully managed with naturein mind.We feel that a garden should not be restricted by its historic roots, but inspired by themso our planting is constantly evolving to keep the gardens original spirit alive in a way that speaks to todays garden lovers.See attached document for more information about Ham, the role, and the Garden Team. What youll be doing As our new Head Gardener, youll play a key role in our leadership team, contributing to whole property decision-making and direction. This role combines practical work, strategy, and planning, team leadership, and advocacy. Youll lead for horticulturalexcellence and be responsible for managing a team of skilled and passionate individuals. Youll be providing the vision needed to continue the development and conservation of the whole garden and related infrastructure.Collaboration and working across departments are vital, and youll work closely with the Property Curator and the Visitor Experience and Operations Manager as well as the wider team to create brilliant experiences for our visitors.One of the top priorities for Ham in 2022 and beyond is realising our full ambition for a pioneering, sustainable, welcoming garden thats tackling the climate emergency in one of the Trusts most formal spaces. We have made some great strides towards thisvision and there are exciting projects on the horizon that will help move us forward. Youll play a key role in these endeavours and will share our passion for making everyone feel welcome at our places.Some bank holiday and weekend work is required as part of a site-wide Duty Management rota. Who were looking for

• Committed to climate-conscious and sustainable gardening

• An excellent collaborator and leader

• RHS Level 3 (or equivalent) as well as practical gardening/horticulture experience

• Enjoys a hands-on approach with the team

• An understanding of the importance of the spirit of place in maintaining and developing a historic garden

• Evidence of contribution towards interventions/programmes to enhance visitor engagement, drive visitors or deepen community connections

The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say were for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.Wherever youre from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from youand it doesnt matter if youre jam first, cream first, or even if you dont like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you.