Assistant Head Gardener

Job details

This is a unique opportunity for a talented individual to lead the care of the Walled Garden at Raby Castle, recently reimagined by the internationally renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei.

To ensure the Walled Garden is enjoyed at its very best throughout the year, we are seeking to recruit an experienced Assistant Head Gardener.  This is a newly created position following a pivotal time of change and development within the Raby Castle gardens. The position will involve working closely with Lord and Lady Barnard and Luciano to fulfil their ambitions for the gardens as they mature.

What you’ll be doing

• Supported by the Castle’s Gardens and Landscape Manager you will lead a small team dedicated to the care and development of the five acre Walled Garden.
• You will be responsible for all aspects of horticulture including maintenance of the new planting schemes, care of the existing historic trees and climbers and propagation of new stock.
• You will be dynamic, with a “hands on” approach, leading and guiding your team as you develop their skills and knowledge.
• You will liaise with volunteers as we seek to grow our team, to fulfil the potential of this wonderful space.
• You will develop and instigate plans for fruit, vegetable and flower production for use across the estate.
• You will manage our beautiful new greenhouse and ensure it is always presented to the highest standard.
• You will assist your colleagues in other areas of the garden at times - the entire site extends to approximately 24 acres.
• The Gardens are open all year round and you will help always ensure that they have seasonal interest for our visitors.
• You will assist and deliver guided tours, public talks and bespoke events to showcase the garden to a wide audience.  

What we need to see

We are looking for someone who has previous experience in a supervisory role within a garden open to the public. Confidence in public speaking, hosting guided tours and horticultural workshops is required. We will also be hosting bespoke events as we seek to present the Garden to a wide audience.

You will have a plethora of horticultural experience, including working with garden designers in the installation/restoration of garden areas.  Great plant knowledge is a must.

You will have a flexible approach to duties, work well within a team and independently, be organised and an effective communicator.  We are looking for someone who can show honesty, integrity, enthusiasm and capacity for hard work and attention to detail with a cheerful approach and ‘can do’ problem solving attitude.

You must have the confidence and skills to cover for the Gardens and Landscape Manager in his absence.

Overview of Raby Estates

Raby Castle near Staindrop has been the home of the Vane family for generations and is open to visitors. Lord and Lady Barnard have developed the Castle and grounds extensively, to become one of the foremost visitor attractions in the country. 

The wider Raby Estate comprises substantial landholdings and trading operations include in-house farms, let farms and residential property, along with sporting enterprises across Estates in Co Durham and Shropshire. We also have visitor attractions at Raby Castle, High Force Hotel and Waterfall in Upper Teesdale and The Wrekin in Shropshire.

What we’ve got to offer

It’s people that make a place, without people, a place is simply an empty shell. At Raby this is certainly true, it’s our people that make Raby special.

We strive to offer our employees an excellent working environment and the tools to perform, enabling them to achieve their goals and be the best they can be.

As well as some of the most iconic locations to work we offer:

• Attractive Salary
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of statutory holidays)
• Group Pension Scheme (7.7% employer contribution)
• Group Life Insurance
• Uniform Free car parking
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Continuous improvement through staff training and staff development programmes
• Discounts at our retail and food outlets
• Discounts at our Shropshire holiday cottage and High Force Hotel
• Free access into our leisure attractions at Raby Castle and High Force
• Private, behind the scenes tour of Raby Castle
• Raby Estate social events throughout the year
• Possible assistance in finding local accommodation

How to apply

If you would like to be part of our journey and you feel you have the necessary skills, experience and personality to undertake this role, we’d love to hear from you.