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Senior Horticulturalist

Employer
Marks Hall Estate
Location
Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex CO6 1TG
Salary
£24,500
Closing date
4 Mar 2019

Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall Essex

Job Description – Senior Horticulturalist

Reporting to: The Curator

Important relationships with:   

  • The Curator and Senior Arborist
  • Visitor Operations Manager
  • Weddings & Functions Coordinator

                                                               

Location: Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex CO6 1TG

Hours: 37.5 hours over a five day working week

Salary: Level 3: £24,500

The post holder will be responsible for the planning, development and maintenance of the Walled Garden and the Coach House garden which are focal points of Marks Hall Arboretum. The post holder will also assume responsibility for the management of the nursery unit including the production of propagated material for the gardens and arboretum.Job Summary:

Day to day gardening duties will include pruning, staking, spraying, cultivation of a wide range of perennials and shrubs and the sowing and raising of annuals to ensure continuity of display throughout the year. The propagation of herbaceous and woody material particularly from seed in the nursery area is also an important part of the role as is the leadership, motivation and supervision of a small team of garden staff and volunteers. 

Qualifications & Experience:

  • An enthusiastic and passionate professional horticulturalist with significant experience in horticulture, supported by professional qualifications to RHS level 2. Ideally the post holder will have at least 3 years practical experience of working in a large garden and the propagation of plant material;
  • A sound knowledge of plant husbandry and horticultural techniques covering a wide range of plant types. Some artistic plantmanship / design skills are desirable;
  • Demonstrable experience of managing a small team and working with volunteers;
  • Good people and communication skills, confident in interacting and dealing with a wide range of people and able to represent Marks Hall;
  • Good organisational and time management skills including the ability to prioritise work when necessary;
  • Ability to keep good plant records;
  • Sound practical knowledge of Health and Safety and compliance requirements relevant to horticulture and experience of managing risk;
  • PA1, PA6 preferred and a full clean driving licence.

Key Result Areas:

  1. The Walled Garden                                                                                                                                        

To maintain, manage and develop the Walled Garden in accordance with agreed work programmes to ensure it is presented to a high professional standard for the enjoyment of visitors.

 

  • Implement and develop the Schoenaich-Rees planting scheme from planting plans;
  • Maintain the planting to a high standard, including weeding, mulching and formative pruning and pest control;
  • Create annual work plans for the gardens to ensure continuity and improvement of display;
  • Watering and feeding planting as required;
  • Opening and closing of the garden;
  • Oversee the labelling of plants and ensure labels stay clean, legible and current;
  1. The Coach House Garden
  • Maintain and develop the planting to enhance the Trust’s wedding venue using a wide palette of planting material to give a colourful and romantic atmosphere;
  • Liaise with the Wedding Coordinator to ensure the garden is presented in the best condition for each ceremony;
  • Ensure all plant material is correctly labelled as deemed necessary;
  1. The Plant Nursery
  • Raise new plants from seeds and cuttings of other propagules as is required to meet specific planting needs in the gardens and the arboretum;
  • Keep accurate and tidy records of all propagation with adequate labelling;
  • Keep up to date with propagation techniques through own study and attendance at meetings and training events;
  • Take responsibility  for ensuring the plant nursery is  well cared for at all times;

 

 

  1. Visitor Experience
  • Work with colleagues to deliver activities designed to  engage  visitor’s interest and develop their understanding of  the gardens;
  • Take an active role in promoting the gardens through digital media and  interpretation;
  • Interact  with visitors, the local community and other interested groups to enhance their  appreciation  of the gardens and their understanding of the  work of the Trust;

5    Financial Management

 

 

  • Working with the Curator set and monitor a budget based on an understanding of the resources needed for the management of the gardens and plant nursery;
  • Take responsibility for placing orders for the supply of goods and services and managing minor capital project work relating to the gardens and plant nursery;  
  1.    Leading people

•   Line manage a small team of gardeners and volunteers ensuring they are fully equipped and motivated to undertake their duties;

 

  • Assist with the recruitment and induction of new staff and volunteers and supervise   their training and development needs within the garden and nursery;
  • Conduct regular one to one meetings and annual appraisals for the garden staff;
  1. Health and Safety
  • Observe all Health and Safety at work regulations set out by the Trust in accordance with its statutory obligations and report any deficiencies;
  • To be familiar with and actively instruct the gardens team in the safe use of equipment and materials;
  • Assist in keeping the workplace a safe environment and take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and of others who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work including staff, volunteers and visitors;

Additional Tasks:

 

  • Working with colleagues  contribute to the overall management and development of Marks Hall for the purposes of achieving the Trust’s  charitable objectives;
  • Assist at events held at Marks Hall, which may involve some weekend and evening work;
  • As part of the team have responsibility for security of the arboretum and gardens, the  buildings, machinery, tools and stores on site;
  • To ensure the best care of the gardens and plant nursery to be prepared to work  at weekends if required;
  • Perform other duties and tasks as may be reasonably requested by the Trust;

 

 

 

 

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