Head Gardener

Head Gardener

Godinton House, Kent

Godinton House is a Jacobean mansion set in beautiful parkland with 12 acres of spectacular gardens, owned by a charitable preservation trust. The historic grounds were laid out by Sir Reginald Blomfield in 1898 to include an Italian garden, rose garden, substantial herbaceous borders, a walled garden and terraced lawns, all framed by a magnificent yew hedge, one of the longest in the country. The gardens are open to the public between March and October.

The successful applicant will lead a team of experienced garden staff, up to two garden trainees, contractors, and a team of volunteers, who all form part of a wider team of staff on the estate.    

The Role

The Trust is seeking to appoint a new Full-Time Head Gardener to perform the following role:

• Responsibility for the management and planning of all aspects of the gardens including plant management, lawn and hedge care, plant propagation, glasshouse work and kitchen gardening.
• Management, support and development of the garden team including recruiting and supervising volunteers and apprentices.
• Collaboration with team members to deliver the Trust’s objectives including involvement in the education and events programme.
• Supervision of health and safety in relation to garden activities.
• Report to the Estate Manager day to day, and to the Board of Trustees as required.

The Package

• Salary: £42,000 per annum plus pension.
• Good accommodation is available onsite.
• The position is to start as soon as possible.
• A full-time position with weekend hours for watering and other duties, in rota with other staff. Some occasional weekend working, such as hosting workshops and attending exhibitions in the garden.
• 25 days holiday entitlement per year plus bank holidays.

The Individual

We are looking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic individual with the following attributes:

• Excellent plant knowledge and garden management experience and ability to plan and implement garden maintenance, with a relevant horticultural qualification e.g., National Certificate in Horticulture, National Diploma, NVQ Level 3 (amenity horticulture) or RHS, or equivalent experience.
• Previous experience as a Head Gardener with a proven track record in a leadership role.
• Good communication skills, enthusiasm and confidence to engage with team members, visitors & educational groups.
• Competence in relevant health and safety legislation applicable to the role and proficiency in use and management of garden machinery.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted with a covering letter to Robert Duggan (Estate Manager) at recruitment@godintonhouse.co.uk, by 06 December 2024. Applicants selected for interview will be invited to attend at Godinton House, Godinton Lane, Great Chart, Ashford, Kent TN23 3BP.