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 and its plant collection, house and the estate. What youll be doing The Assistant Head Gardeners role is wide and varied and works closely 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 almost frost-free conditions. Constantly bringing innew plants and showing them off with great artistry and flare while using the latest horticulture techniques and equipment, as we share our passion for Mount Stewart with all our visitors and staff. The Assistant Head Gardeners role is a leadership role,and you will be supporting the team with their 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 stylein the woodland gardens. 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, while also collaborating with other departments as needed.A big part of the role is working alongside the team and being a constant presence in the garden and our plant nursery. Who were looking for Wed love to hear from you if you have:

• 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.