Assistant Head Gardener

Job Description

Summary Are you a skilled horticulturist and plants-person, or an accomplished assistant head gardener with great artistic flare, looking for your next major challenge by joining us and moving into garden and team management at a complex garden Do you feel youhave what it takes to help shape the future of a major garden by leading a team of highly skilled and motivated horticulturists who care for one of the most dynamic and varied, coastal gardens in the UK. Do you have the organisational, health and safety andpeople skills to help shape our future, or do you have what it takes to lead specialist or general tours of the garden Then working as the Assistant Head Gardener, to support the Head Gardener and property team at Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland, will meetall of you career aspirations. What its like to work here Nestling on the shoreline of Strangford Lough creates the ambiance for the House, Garden and Estate, and the sea and coastline has and will take an importance role in our future. The 180 acres garden is full of tender, subtropical and hardy plants, withmassive eucalyptus providing shade for tree ferns, tender rhododendrons that all thrive in the almost frost free climate. Mount Stewart is a bustling place to work and is open all-year-round to local and international visitors. Its also a fun place to work,as we all love the property and the importance it has to our visitors, whether they come to walk their dog, have a family picnic, or just spend time marvelling at the garden, house and the estate. What youll be doing The Assistant Head Gardeners role is wide and varied, and works in partnership with the Head Garden as we continue to take the garden forward. Our ethos is a "garden on the edge" planting for climate change in the almost frost free climate, constantly bringingin new plants and showing them off with great artistry and flare, using the latest horticulture techniques and equipment, as well as sharing our passion for Mount Stewart with our visitors and staff. The Assistant Head Gardeners role is a leadership role,and supporting the team with the day-to-day management of the garden to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. A key role is presentation and ensuring the Mount Stewart Standard is achieved in the formal garden areas, and a more relaxed style in the woodlandgardens. Working with the Head Gardener you will help support the development and implementation of short and long-term work plans to enhance the formal gardens and woodland areas, and support the work of other departments as needed. A big part of the roleis working alongside the team, and being a constant presence in the garden and our plant nursery. Who were looking for

• A recognised horticultural qualification up to RHS level 3 or equivalent.
• Proven experience of working at a leadership level within a heritage or historic garden.
• Proven experience of managing a team of horticulturists, including their performance and development.
• Proven experience of managing a highly complex garden including the creation and implementation of work programmes.
• Experience of leading guided tours to both professional horticultural groups as well as public guided tours.

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.

• 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.