Head Gardener

HEAD GARDENER

Prestigious country house run by a trust in Buckinghamshire

Accountable to: The Trust Secretary

Accountable for: All staff and contractors working in the garden and associated area.

Location: Buckinghamshire - details on application.

Salary: £30,000 + cottage

JOB SUMMARY

The grounds include formal lawns, a vegetable garden, large mixed herbaceous plantings, meadow areas, orchard trees and woodlands.

The candidate will be expected to have a relevant qualification in horticulture, with a good level of knowledge and expertise; in particular, a knowledge of plants and soil science.  The candidate should have proven management ability: to include problem solving and decision making skills.   Experience of managing small garden teams would be highly desirable.  Responsible for ensuring that the garden and associated areas of the property are managed and developed in keeping with benefactor’s vision, both horticultural and spiritual.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

• Lead the creative and horticultural development of the garden, with a constant eye for improvements in presentation, maintenance and conservation.
• Draw up and manage work schedules in the garden as appropriate to agreed maintenance and presentational standards.
• Plan and manage approved projects ensuring all financial, contractual and other procedures are followed.
• Maintain garden records, including plant records and updating of the plant database and planting plans.
• Be responsible for the selection and purchase of machinery and maintenance of all plant and machinery.
• Undertake general garden duties consistent with maintaining the high standards agreed and expected.
• Organize and supervise all contractors employed in the garden and associated areas and ensure compliance with all Health & Safety regulations.

GARDEN DEVELOPMENT

• Produce development plans for the garden and advise the Secretary.  The Trust is keen develop a vision for the wider parkland to make it more accessible and attractive to guests.  

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Leading by example, actively promote efficient ways of working with garden employees. Manage and motivate the garden team of 2 assistant gardeners.
• Ensure proper recruitment, induction, development, training and welfare of all employees working in the garden.
• Manage employee leave and personnel records for the department.
• Ensure open and effective communication on work related issues amongst employees within the department.
• Undergo training courses as agreed and when required.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of good relations with local communities.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

• Assist Secretary with the effective management of the Estate.
• Contribute to the preparation and review of Estate plans.
• Liaise with the Secretary over all matters of general building maintenance, reporting all defects and agreeing appropriate action.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Prepare, monitor and re-forecast annual operating budgets for the garden and associated areas in association with the Secretary and the Accountant.

HEALTH & SAFETY and FIRE & SECURITY

• Ensure the safety of employees by adopting safe working practices at all times and by carrying out regular safety checks and risk assessments in the garden areas accessible by the Occupant, family and staff.
• Be responsible for maintaining all records and systems associated with Health & Safety relating to the garden and associated areas.
• Actively promote safety awareness and be responsible for the safety of the Occupant and family, staff and visitors by complying with all legal, statutory and organizational policies and procedures relating to Health & Safety, fire and security.
• Ensure that all machinery and equipment within the department is in safe working order before being operated and that employees are trained in their safe use.
• Undertake first aid training.
• Ensure that all security and fire procedures are understood and reviewed and that all premises and equipment are secured as agreed.