Head Gardener

Head Gardener

Scampston Hall and Gardens

Scampston Hall & Walled Garden is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Gardener to lead our horticultural team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a renowned garden, ensuring its maintenance, development, and continued excellence. The successful candidate will manage a small team caring for the four and a half acre walled garden and the wider Hall gardens. The role includes a recently refurbished 3-bedroom detached house on-site, providing an immersive and convenient living experience within the beautiful Scampston estate.

Scampston Hall & Walled Garden

Scampston Walled Garden is an award-winning contemporary garden set within the historic Scampston Hall estate. Recognised for its stunning Piet Oudolf design and horticultural excellence, the gardens have received international acclaim on both television and in the national press. Open to the public from March to October, the garden attracts around 30,000 visitors each season and offers a serene and inspiring environment that combines historical charm with modern horticulture.

The Estate includes a wider historic landscape, including a stunning Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown designed parkland and the Hall gardens.

Web site: www.scampston.co.uk

Job Overview

Key Responsibilities

Garden Maintenance and Development:

Oversee the daily maintenance and overall appearance of the garden, ensuring it remains in pristine condition. Including: hedging, herbaceous borders, topiary, lawns, parterres, rose garden, potager, cutting garden, ponds, rock garden, stream and lakes. Cultivation of fruit, vegetables and cut flowers, growing many from seed All aspects of lawn and plant care, including pest and disease identification, feeding, pruning, watering and weeding. Use and maintenance of garden machinery

Team Leadership and Management:

Lead, manage, and inspire the gardening team, including training and development. Coordinate volunteers and seasonal staff, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Schedule and allocate tasks to ensure efficient and effective garden operations.

Visitor Engagement and Education:

Enhance visitor experience by providing informative and engaging tours. Organise and participate in garden events, workshops, and educational programs. Producing and pricing plants for the sales area, stock management of the sales area Support the marketing team with promoting the gardens, including participation in filming and interviews and social media input

Operational and Administrative Duties:

Manage budgets, procurement, and resource allocation for garden maintenance and projects. Maintain records of planting, maintenance activities, and garden development. Liaise with outdoor contractors where necessary Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and best practices. Any other duties requested, appropriate to the role.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

RHS Level 3 qualified or similar Proven experience in horticulture, with a focus on garden management and horticulture. Strong leadership and team management skills. Excellent plant knowledge and practical gardening skills. Ability to plan and execute garden projects Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire visitors and staff. Valid driving license

Desirable:

Knowledge of sustainable gardening practices. Competence in using garden machinery and tools. PA1 & PA6 preferred.

Job Type:

Permanent, full time. 5 days a week with weekend duties on a rota basis. 39 hours per week on average, with a summer and winter rota

Benefits

Competitive salary circa £37,000 plus house, reflecting the Professional Gardeners Guild Salary guidelines will reflect experience and qualifications. On-site recently refurbished 3-bed, 2-bath detached house, offering convenience and an immersive living experience nearby the garden. Opportunity to work in an award-winning high profile garden known for its design and horticultural excellence. Professional development opportunities through training and industry networking. Company pension scheme Free access to Walled Garden for family members Discount in plant nursery and on-site café 24 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays) per year Access to free pass for other heritage attractions in Yorkshire  

How to Apply

Please send your CV and covering letter to Katie at info@scampston.co.uk

All communication will be treated in complete confidence.