Head Gardener - Gibside, Crook Hall, Washington Old Hall ,Souter Lighthouse

Job Description

Summary We have listed some of the key skills youll want in your garden shed when making your application.We would like our Head Gardener to be aLeader of Cross site team development and support Planning guidance for and working with volunteers Garden Management PlanWith Horticultural skills Good knowledge of plants, plant health and environmental issues Scale of historic gardens and designed landscapes Grade 1 Registered Park and GardenKnowledge of Operational Risk ComplianceMachinery and EquipmentEnvironmentUnderstand Visitor Experience Portfolio objectives Garden experience for visitors Complete people skillsManage Financials Budget Management Funding Opportunities Income generationWe have a small salary bandwidth on this role starting around £32000 per annum. We may be able to assist with a relocation package.This is a unique opportunity to create a new team of gardeners across 4 very different properties. Each site has unique qualities, and we are in the early stages of unlocking the amazing potential these gardens can offer to our communities and visitors.You will be responsible for establishing great garden plans, planning all aspects of care for each of the gardens: delivering horticultural excellence and engaging visitors with the story of the gardens, inspiring them with an enthusiasm for horticulture andfor the work of the National Trust.Interviews will be held on 21 February. Please allow 2 hours for a garden visit at Gibside, a plant identification check and a face to face interview.Please do not leave your application to the last minute we will be shortlisting and arranging interviews as people apply. We would like you to include a letter with your application which explains your passion for horticulture. What its like to work here As Head Gardener you will be based at Gibside reporting directly to the General Manager and be part of the collaborative leadership team at Derwent, Wear and Coast portfolio. The leadership team support each other to deliver property objectives, make decisions and ensure the wider team work collaboratively together to give the visitors a great experience.As one of the senior staff on the property you will support on occasion as duty manager.Gibside contains a blend of formal and informal features, with trained fruit trees, herb and vegetable growing in the Walled Garden, lawns and avenues, topiary and a wide range of ornamental shrubs alongside wildflowers and woodlands rich in nature. Thedesigned landscape is dotted with characterful buildings providing focal points, while straight walks, serpentine paths and curated views over rolling parkland and wooded slopes all make for a dramatic experience. Click here for more information about this location What youll be doing Derwent, Wear and Coast is a newly createdportfolio and your role will lead on evolving the gardens we have across the portfolio.Youll lead from the front and support your team by empowering them to deliver to a high standard in the gardens. We want you to be part of building a positive and inclusive environment across your team as well as the wider property. You will also take responsibilityfor their recruitment, management, job satisfaction and personal development.You will work closely with the Ranger team that support wider site management at Gibside and be responsible for safety and compliance within the garden.Youll ensure everyone feels welcome in the garden and support the interpretation aims of the property in imaginative ways. Who were looking for To be successful and shortlisted for an interview in this role youll need to display;

• Leadership: including team development, producing work plans, training and working with volunteers.Youll inspire you team and work closely with colleagues on the Property Leadership Team to achieve collective goals.
• Extensive horticultural experience including broad plant knowledge, awareness of plant health issues and an appreciation of garden heritage. Qualified to RHS Level 3 or equivalent experience. Able to prioritise effectively and experienceof creating Garden Management Plans.
• Understanding of operational risk and experience of relevant health & safety best practice including horticultural machinery/equipment and compliance.
• Visitor experience - Youre passionate about connecting people and place and appreciate the importance of access, interpretation, presentation and engagement.
• Financial - Experience with budgets (and planning project work)
• A driving licence is necessary in this location and for the role.

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.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

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

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

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