Ornamental Lead, Woodland and Estate Lead (two lead roles), and a Productive Kitchen Gardener.

The Heath House

We are seeking to add three important appointments to our existing small, but brilliant team.

Ornamental Lead

Woodland and Estate Lead

Productive (Kitchen) gardener (supporting the Lead Productive Gardener)

About the Heath House

The Heath House is a private family estate with extensive gardens and woodlands. As custodians, we are in the early stages of planning a restoration and reimagining project aimed at preserving the estate's buildings and landscape. Our vision for the estate includes sustainable garden management, biodiversity enhancement, and habitat conservation.

Ornamental Lead

We are seeking a dynamic Ornamental Lead to collaborate with owners, colleagues, horticultural consultant, and landscape architect in revitalising the gardens of Heath House Estate. This role is focused on the renovation of mature planting beds and the delivery of landscape plans that align with our long-term development goals.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Ornamental Garden Management: Work closely with the appointed Landscape Architect and horticultural consultant to develop and implement a comprehensive Ornamental Garden Plan. Over the next two to three years, you will execute seasonal tasks such as plant identification, dividing perennials, rejuvenation pruning, weed control, and restoring overgrown garden features, including paths, stonework, and seating areas.
• Project Development: Play a pivotal role in expanding the ornamental gardens and plant collections as part of a larger planting initiative. Initially, you will manage a small team of contract horticulture specialists, with the opportunity to grow and lead a larger team as the project progresses.
• Invasive Species Control: Lead the management of invasive species within the ornamental gardens, ensuring all practices adhere to the Garden Management Plan and promote long-term sustainability.
• Health & Safety: Maintain strict compliance with health and safety regulations, prioritizing both safety and ecological responsibility in all ornamental management tasks.
• This hands-on role demands active participation in daily operations and strategic oversight of long-term projects.

Skills and Experience:

• Proven leadership experience, particularly in managing contractors and teams.
• Degree or diploma in horticulture with a specialization in ornamental management, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five years' experience in ornamental management, with strong practical knowledge of shrub, topiary, herbaceous, and perennial care.
• Experience in garden regeneration projects and invasive species control.
• At least two years of team management experience.
• Teaching or mentoring experience, with a passion for inspiring others in ornamental horticulture careers.
• Strong commitment to inclusive and environmentally responsible garden management.
• Relevant machinery certifications, including chainsaw certification (e.g., chainsaw maintenance, tree felling, tractor operation), and PA1, PA6a, and PA6aw certifications.
• Valid UK driver’s license.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Woodland & Estate Lead

We are seeking a Woodland & Estate Lead to collaborate with the owners, colleagues, horticultural consultant, and landscape architect. The role involves overseeing the conservation, improvement, and future management of the woodland, meadow, and grassland areas of the Heath House Estate, in alignment with our long-term development plans.

Key responsibilities include:

• Woodland Management: Help develop and implement a comprehensive Woodland Management Plan, working with an appointed forestry consultant to improve habitats and boost biodiversity. You'll focus on 'light-touch' management that enhances ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water cycling, nutrient regulation, and erosion control.
• Project Development: Play a key role in the expansion of the estate’s tree collection and arboreta as part of a broader planting program. You’ll initially work with a small team of contract arborists and woodland specialists, eventually building an appropriate team as the project progresses.
• Invasive Species Control: Lead efforts to manage invasive species across the estate, ensuring sustainable practices that align with the Woodland Management Plan.
• Health & Safety: Ensure all work complies with H&S regulations, prioritizing safety and ecological responsibility in every aspect of woodland and estate management.
• This is a hands-on role that requires active involvement in the day-to-day operations, as well as the strategic oversight of long-term projects.

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in team leadership and managing contractors.
• Degree or diploma in ecology, environmental science, or a related field, with specialization in conservation or woodland management, or equivalent significant experience.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in woodland management, with strong practical knowledge of tree care, including conducting surveys and inspections.
• Experience in woodland regeneration projects and invasive species management.
• At least two years’ experience in team management.
• Some teaching or mentoring experience, with a desire to inspire others in woodland and conservation careers.
• Strong advocacy for inclusive and ecologically conscious woodland management.
• Relevant machinery and chainsaw certification (e.g., chainsaw maintenance, tree felling, tractor operation), PA1, PA6a, and PA6aw certifications.
• Valid UK driver’s license.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Productive Kitchen Gardener

Under the direct supervision of the Productive Lead, the Productive (Kitchen) Gardener is responsible for cultivating high-quality, edible produce in line with the estate’s food vision, while maintaining an aesthetically appealing garden. The role involves supporting daily care, cultivation, and maintenance of the Walled Garden, as well as contributing to various garden improvement projects (Orchard and future productive garden developments). The ideal candidate will have solid experience in growing fruits and vegetables, along with the ability to lead or collaborate effectively within a team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Productive Garden Maintenance & Development: Deliver the Kitchen Gardens development plan and planting schedule, ensuring the gardens are maintained to professional horticultural standard. This includes the cultivation of edible produce, adhering to organic and no-dig gardening principles.
• Produce Cultivation & Harvesting: Provide high-quality produce aligned with the estate’s harvesting schedule and specifications to support the Main House. Maintain accurate records of all produce supplied.
• Engagement: Enhance the family experience by representing the values and vision of the estate, working collaboratively across the Estate.
• Professional Development: Stay informed on industry developments by participating in professional societies and organizations. Share knowledge and ideas to continually improve horticultural practices, striving for excellence in all areas of cultivation.
• Horticultural Excellence: Apply the highest horticultural standards and techniques to establish and maintain the Kitchen Gardens. This includes routine maintenance and special projects as needed.

Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of two years of horticultural experience in a Kitchen Garden or similar environment.
• Certificate/Diploma or bachelor's degree in horticulture, or a related field, with 2-3 years of experience; or 4 years of equivalent horticultural experience and training.
• Knowledge of organic cultivation practices is desirable.
• Advanced understanding of horticultural techniques and practices, including planting, weed identification and control, and the specific cultural needs of edible plants.
• Strong general plant identification skills, especially related to productive gardening.
• Relevant machinery certifications, and PA1, PA6a, and PA6aw certifications.
• Adequate IT skills for implementing efficient management systems and records are an essential requisite.
• Full and clean UK driving license.
•  

Renumeration for "Lead" and "Productive Kitchen Gardener" roles:

The Lead Roles will receive a highly competitive salary up to £35,000 per annum, negotiable for shortlisted candidates.

The Productive Kitchen Gardener will receive a competitive remuneration package up to £27,000 p.a. to be discussed with short listed candidates.

Professional membership and reasonable costs for professional development and training covered.

Workplace pension scheme available.

Normal hours - Flexible, 5 days out of 7

Annual Leave - 34 days p.a., including bank holidays

Statutory Entitlements - All statutory entitlements, including SSP, workplace pension etc