Assistant Head Gardener

Job Description

Summary Woolbeding Gardens is one of West Sussexs best-kept secrets, a wonderful horticultural haven with a great plant collection and high levels of presentation. As our new Assistant Head Gardener, youll be doing hands-on gardening whilst leading a small teamof horticulturists and volunteers to maintain and improve the formal gardens.Hours: 37.5 hrs pwWorking pattern: The Garden team work Monday to Friday with weekends on a rota, currently 1 weekend in 6. Normal summer working hours are 8 am to 4.30 pm and Winter working hours are 8 am to 4 pm. What its like to work here Woolbeding Gardens is a beautiful 30 acre, 21st Century Garden with artistic colour themed borders set within garden rooms and a collection of follies which merge into the surrounding landscape. The Pleasure Garden created by the Bannermans in the early2000s adds a romantic atmosphere with the Lake, Waterfall, Chinese Bridge and River God. The team of dedicated gardeners strive for horticultural excellence and high presentation standards throughout.This role will be working in the formal gardens and leadingthe formal gardens team, working closely with the Gardens and Outdoors Manager. What youll be doing As Assistant Head Gardener, youll be hands-on in the garden but also managing a team of 4 gardeners and volunteers.Youll make sure that the formal gardens are maintained to a high standard, and plan enhancements to the various garden rooms alongside theGardens and Outdoors Manager.This role will include a range of practical horticultural tasks to develop, enhance and conserve the garden for the long-term tenant in residence and for National Trust visitors to enjoy throughout the year.Youll be managing the team and carrying out general maintenance of the garden, working in the formal borders, mowing the lawns, and leading on the planting of dedicated areas with assistance from other members of the team. Our volunteers are importantto us and engaging them in the work of the gardens is a must.No two days are the same, we grow many plants ourselves and strive to put together well thought out colour-themed borders throughout the open season. You may start the day rearranging plants fordisplay in the greenhouse and end the day showing other members of the team horticultural tasks for tomorrow.You will support with all things horticultural, have delegated budgets to manage, work plans to prepare, and lead the team to achieve the highest horticultural standards that inspire and engage our visitors.Youll also manage garden volunteers and help them to make the most of their time here. Youll interact with the public on open days, answering their questions on plants and the property and providing welcome talks.Please contact the Gardens and Outdoors Manager, Paul Gallivan if you require further information, email .uk or call .Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert Who were looking for Were looking for someone who has:

• Experience managing teams of gardeners and volunteers, including performance development
• Excellent communication and organisation skills
• RHS Level 3 (or equivalent) as well as practical gardening/horticulture experience
• An excellent understanding of horticultural techniques and plant identification
• Experience of using and maintaining garden machinery
• Experience of working in a landscape garden with good plant knowledge.
• Ability to maintain and demonstrate high horticultural standards.
• Experience of hard and soft landscaping

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.