We are looking for someone to fill the role as a Senior Gardener at Buckland Abbey. This role is not for someone who 'fancies a change'. A proven passion for horticulture is essential, as are good organisational and people management skills, enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

This really is a great opportunity to join a capable bunch of people at a beautiful place at the right time. This could be the ideal steppingstone you need to further your career, or the place of work you come to love and end up staying at for years.

Accommodation is provided to the postholder for the proper or better performance of his or her duties in accordance with Trust criteria and HMRC rules. You will be expected to undertake Key Representative duties as part of a rota across the whole year.

Interview’s week commencing the 24th of June.

What you'll be doing

You would be joining a capable, well-functioning garden team consisting of 1 additional full time gardener, I part time assistant gardener and 1 seasonal assistant gardener and approximately 15 volunteers, all of whom are part of a cohesive property team that respects and appreciates the work the garden team do. Our visitors aren't shy of vocalising their appreciation of the garden team's efforts!

We don’t just need you to manage our beautiful gardens, although this is an important part of the role; we’d like you to manage the team too. As the Senior Gardener in our team, we’d like you to lead by example, with exceptional gardening skills, but you’ll also understand how to manage the workload for this team and deliver exceptional training to new staff and volunteers.

You will love working outdoors and understand that our gardens and grounds are as significant as our mansion houses, collections and our historical places. Our visitors tell us how much they enjoy the peace and tranquillity of our well-kept outdoor spaces, which makes your role vital in making sure our visitors have an amazing experience.

This role involves working across a 7 day week pattern.

Who we're looking for

• Significant practical experience in horticulture supported by relevant qualifications

• Have supervisory experience from a similar role

• Excellent knowledge of plants

• Competent with the use and maintenance of garden machinery and chemicals including hedge trimmers, pedestrian and ride on mowers etc.

• Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and practice