Head Gardener

Job Description

Head Gardener - Isabella PlantationHolly Lodge, Richmond ParkThe OrganisationThe Royal Parks (TRP) is a charity created in March 2017. We manage over 5,000 acres of diverse parkland, rare habitats and historic buildings and monuments in eight Royal Parks across London. These are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James’sPark, The Regents Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park.We also manage other important public spaces including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. Our eight Royal Parks and other iconic green spaces are among the most visited attractions in the UK with 77 million visits every year.Nestled in Richmond Park, Isabella Plantation spans 40 acres of Woodland Garden and opened to the public in 1953. The garden features a diverse collection of trees, including a national assortment of evergreen Kurume Azaleas and extensive displays of rhododendrons,camellia, magnolia, and more.We are now looking for a Head Gardener to join our team on a permanent, full-time basis, working 36 hours per week. The Benefits - Salary of £29,001 - £35,076 per annum, depending on experience- 26 days annual leave (pro rata) plus public holidays, increasing to 29 days after 3 years’ service- Pension scheme (3% employee contribution; up to 10% employer contribution)- Hybrid/agile working options- Private medical insurance and healthcare cash plan- Employee assistance programme and access to mental health first aiders- Learning and development opportunities- Cycle to work scheme- Offices in a beautiful locationThis is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced horticulturalist with extensive knowledge of shrubs, herbaceous and bulbous plants to join our dedicated organisation. Making your mark on one of Londons most cherished and historical green spaces, you’ll have the chance to help us enhance a stunning collection of trees, azaleas, rhododendrons, and more, ensuring the preservation of this unique haven for wildlife now and inthe future. So, if you’re interested in the opportunity to shape a living masterpiece and contribute to the conservation of this natural gem in the heart of London, apply today!The Role As the Head Gardener, you will oversee the management of the Isabella Plantation ensuring delivery of horticultural projects and park management plans.You’ll lead the planning and implementation of all practical ornamental horticultural operations and some conservation duties, undertaking planting plans, pruning works, regeneration projects and habitat creation. Managing the Garden Team, volunteers and horticultural apprentices, you’ll support them to develop their skills, increase productivity and efficiently deliver high-quality work. Bringing a well-rounded approach to horticulture within the park, youll support the delivery of our key objectives and the development of our future landscape strategy. Additionally, you will:- Assist with recruitment & selection, training and mentoring- Ensure excellent horticultural standards are maintained- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records- Report pest, defects and incidents issues- Support the administration of contracts- Supply and maintain sufficient hand tools, PPE and other equipmentAbout YouTo be considered as a Head Gardener, you will need:- Demonstrable practical horticultural experience- Excellent plant knowledge, particularly around shrubs, herbaceous and bulbous plants- Good knowledge of horticultural plant and machinery operations- Good knowledge of health & safety in the workplace- A formal horticultural qualification e.g., National Certificate in Horticulture, National Diploma, NVQ Level 3 (amenity horticulture) or RHS, or equivalent experience- A full, valid driving licenceOther organisations may call this role Senior Gardener, Senior Grounds Person, Horticultural Technician, Horticulture Operative, or Horticulturalist. We want to put everyone in the best possible position to succeed and use Recite-me accessibility software. At the top of the application page, there is an "Accessibility Tools" button which you can use to complete the application form in a way that works foryou. If you think that you may need more support to complete our application process, please do get in touch.The Royal Parks is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the betterour work will be.So, if you are interested in this unique opportunity as a Head Gardener, please apply via the button shown. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.