Live in Head Gardener
This is exceptional opportunity has arisen for a highly professional Head Gardener to take responsibility for the grounds and gardens a 7000 acre estate in Hertfordshire. Ideally you will have held a similar role within an estates environment and you will be a passionate, creative and detail orientated horticulturist. You must have a full and valid driving licence.
The Head Gardener’s remit will be varied and will include looking after the following areas:
* The six-acre Walled Garden, recently restored and reputedly where Joseph Paxton started his working life, split into four quadrants.
* The six-acre Stables House Garden, a mature garden with magnificent views.
* Other smaller guest house gardens overlooking the stunning parkland landscape.
* Prestigious entrances, drives and other public-facing areas.
The Head Gardener will take responsibility for all of the above, as well as contributing to wider estate work as a member of the approximately 20 strong Estate Team.
The Head Gardener will be responsible for both day-to-day maintenance of the gardens, as well as project management of new schemes and infrastructure, all to the highest of standards. The postholder is expected to be both hands-on and managerial, and willing to do what it takes to ensure immaculate presentation of the gardens and grounds at all times. The role requires strong technical expertise, passion, creativity, and the ability to manage resources within a budget to ensure the gardens reflect the character and prestige of the Park.
The Head Gardener will be housed onsite in excellent living quarters, likely at The Stables House, rent free, and will be expected to be fully immersed in the presentation of the gardens, whilst also being available for occasional out-of-hours work and emergencies.
Gardens Management
Maintain, manage and enhance the various gardens in Woodhall Park.
Develop and implement new projects, planting schemes, seasonal displays, and long-term garden improvement plans.
Monitor plant health, soil quality, and pest/disease management.
Implement sustainable and environmentally responsible gardening practices.
Maintain glasshouses, orchards, kitchen gardens, and specialist collections.
Ensure conservation and preservation of historic and heritage garden features.
Provide assistance to the wider estate by arranging garden works at let or vacant properties.
Park Presentation
Be responsible for ensuring tidiness and presentation of Guest House external areas ahead of any guests arriving.
Be responsible for the maintenance of the park entrances, hard surfaces, driveways and verges.
Prepare the walled gardens for weddings and events, and tidy afterwards.
Team Leadership
Manage and mentor contractors/volunteers.
Allocate daily tasks and oversee performance to ensure high standards.
Operational Duties
Manage budgets for plants, tools, machinery, and supplies.
Liaise with colleagues, contractors, and external specialists.
Ensure all equipment and machinery are maintained and used safely.
Maintain outdoor guest facilities, such as the swimming pool, tennis court, hot tubs etc.
Be available out of hours.
Keep accurate records of planting, maintenance, and seasonal work.
Support the wider estate team with gardening assistance at let and vacant properties, or properties being renovated, needs arising.
Requirements
Proven experience in managing large gardens.
Strong horticultural knowledge.
Ability to design and implement planting schemes.
Knowledge of heritage gardening, conservation, and biodiversity principles.
PA1/PA6 spraying certificates and chainsaw certification (desirable).
Full UK driving licence.
Passionate, creative, and detail-oriented horticulturist.
Practical, hands-on approach with excellent problem-solving skills.
Strong communicator with a collaborative attitude.
Flexible and adaptable to seasonal demands and events.
Perks and Benefits
Salary: In the region of £40,000 depending on experience and prorated to hours
Pension: 7% employer’s pension contribution
Private healthcare, life assurance, lifestyle benefits including discounted gym membership, comprehensive discounts and employee support package via Sage, as well as advantageous employment benefits
Despite our best efforts it is not always possible to respond to every application individually due to the high volume of responses we receive on each vacancy
Only candidates who are short listed will be contacted for this particular role and if you have not heard from us within 7 days please assume that you have not be successful. However, we will keep your details on our database, and will contact you when other suitable positions come in