We are looking a Head Gardener that will lead and inspire our team of gardeners in fulfilling not only a vision that adheres to the heritage of the location and landscape but that establishes high standards of conservation, presentation and engagement. In addition to our formal gardens alongside Longleat House, the estate also boasts luxury rental properties and cottage gardens.

We have a team of Gardeners supporting this role; therefore in addition to the creative focus on the historic gardens, managerial experience is also essential. 

Key duties:

• To curate the gardens at Longleat so that its history and artistic integrity are conserved and presented in an exemplary manner, and documented according to the Longleat Estate Heritage Management Plan and nationally recognised standards.
• To manage all day-to-day aspects of the formal gardens, lawns, borders, hedge maze, horticultural displays, and ensuring their appropriate presentation and cyclic maintenance.
• Ensure that exemplary standards of horticultural husbandry and plantsmanship, as befit a prestigious Estate such as Longleat, are employed and presented to our guests throughout the gardens.
• Undertake and assist research into the garden, landscape and plant collections as directed. 
• To support on site based garden and landscape project management and co-ordination of small and medium capital developments and provide support to the project teams for larger projects.
• To assist with the development of a planned 12 month planting programme to ensure we always look at our best for our guests, which will include achieving key deadline dates through the year.
• To support with the ordering and purchasing of plants as per our planned programme.
• To ensure that all areas are fully compliant with H&S legislation and procedures in accordance with Longleat policy to include appropriate risk assessment, reporting, training, in particular security, and fire.

You will have:

• A minimum of RHS level 3 or NVQ level 3 or equivalent.
• A passion for and great understanding of plants and horticulture.
• Good knowledge of and experience with garden maintenance equipment and machinery.
• Extensive hands-on experience working in a large garden/estate, with strong horticultural skills and technical knowledge.
• Supervisory or management experience of small teams. 
• Full clean Driving License.