Netherby Hall is a Grade II* Estate home in Longtown, Cumbria. With 36 acres of gardens and grounds we are now looking to appoint a Head Gardener to lead a team of 4. Our walled garden produces fruit, vegetables and herbs for our sister business Pentonbridge Inn, and grows ornamental flowers which are used to dress the 9 units of self catering accommodation on the site.
Main Responsibilities -
* Ensuring the conservation and practical maintenance of the garden and policies.
* Practical horticulture - Managing trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, annuals and bulbs. Pest/disease/weed control. Composting and soil improvement. Hard-landscaping, path care, glasshouse care, plant propagation. Control of the Ornamental side of the garden.
* Plantsmanship - The identification, knowledge and understanding of the plant collection, including recording using spreadsheets, tagging, labeling, assessment and management of individual plants and collections. Being proficient in the production of herbs, vegetables and fruit is essential. This is for internal use and sale through the Haithwaite Farm Shop, the production of botanticals for Netherby Hall gin, rum and other products, flowers for cutting and indoor plants for the apartments, Pentonbridge Inn and the Haithwaite Spa.
* Interpretation - Supporting the development and delivery of events such as introductory talks, presentations, guided tours or practical demonstrations and workshops, garden trails, digital media and contribution to guidebooks or leaflets. The Head Gardener should also assist the events and publicity manager in promoting the garden and property through digital media .
* Management of volunteers - Recruitment, induction, such that they are fully equipped, informed and motivated to undertake their duties to the required company standards.
* Recognition of the Companies Heath, Safety and Environmental Policy with respect to sustainable gardening activities, including energy, water, peat & pesticide-use. Organise training for the garden team as and when needed. Ensure records are kept up to date.
* Customer service and care from volunteers, ensuring that the visitor experience is positive and that the properties’ reputation for excellence is maintained and enhanced (e.g. litter collection, and general tidiness) Participating fully in the property’s wider “management team”, supporting the other Company Managers and Directors strategically and practically to facilitate the smooth operation of the property.
* Participate and contribute to the events/courses/tours programme run within the Estate to help generate revenue. Managing change at the property to ensure the best use of resources.
* Provide accurate and timely general customer information, message acceptance/transmission, always offer help and assistance.
Practical Requirements
People Management
* Management of volunteers.
* The ability to work closely with other property colleagues, and interaction with other technical/specialist advisory professionals.
* The supervision of (and responsibility for) volunteers when required.
* Interaction with visitors.
* Regular interaction with suppliers and contractors (specifying, commissioning, overseeing and evaluating).
* Work with internal customers to ensure relationships work efficiently and services are provided as needed.
Tools/equipment
* Competent and safe user of driven vehicles such tractors (including trailers and other attachments) and garden vehicles. Proficient in basic maintenance of a wide range of Horticultural machinery.
* Competent and safe user of powered tools such as chainsaws, mowers, strimmers, hedge-cutters, etc. Competent and safe user of hand-tools such as spades, forks, trowels, rakes, hoes, shears, and secateurs. Proficient user of IT equipment. Organisie training for yourself and your team on any of the above where required.
Technical
* Responsible for the control of pests and diseases. Strong experience in Bio Control. Knowledgeable concerning tree safety. Willingness to attend and interest in technical update meetings and training. Interest in and practitioner of Organic and environmentally friendly methods of Horticulture. Proficient in preparing COSHH and risk assessments.
Personal
* Must be physically fit and willing to work outside in all conditions. Ability to work as part of a team also to be sensitive to the needs and requirements of others. Able to exercise firmness and impose discipline when required.
GENERAL
* Successfully promote the business locally with the local community, staff and customers.
* Ensure whole compliance with health and safety policies, procedures and legislation.
* Look after your own health and safety and that of others.
* Provide skills across the business or contribute to the management of other departments or areas as requested or required.
* Be an Ambassador for Netherby Hall ltd.
* Ensure clear communication in all verbal, written and electronic format.
* Adhere to Company policies and procedures including employment policies and procedures.
* Undertake any other duties as assigned which reasonably fall within your skill set and which are required from time to time.
Qualifications
Good standard of general education essential.
RHS Level Three or equivalent.
At least 2 years’ experience in a similar role.
Certificates of Competency for Garden Machinery desirable.
Certificate of Competency in the application of Pesticides.
Proven previous experience in a professional, related, role.
Skills and Experience
HND/ HNC in amenity horticulture. RHS level 3 or related subjects equivalent to NVQ/ SVQ Level 3; Alternatively other recognised qualifications and/or practical experience. PA1 and PA6a spraying certificates. CS30 and 31 chainsaw certificate. Driving Licence, valid for driving within the UK including, if age relevant, Category E entitlement to tow trailers. Substantial relevant practical experience in general amenity horticulture (5 years minimum). Sound demonstrable plantsmanship, including propagation skills and experience. Sound knowledge of basic tool and machinery use and maintenance. Sound practical knowledge of Health and Safety processes and procedures and the ability to work effectively within these processes. Demonstrable experience of overseeing a team of staff and/or volunteers. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, confident in interacting and dealing with a wide range of people. Good organisational and time-management skills – including the ability to prioritise work where necessary. Competency and self-sufficiency in use of IT (email, internet, word-processing, spreadsheets, databases). Tractor driving training and certification – including use of trailers (or willingness to train and use). Practical experience of production horticulture as well as ornamental.
Desirable
* Membership of a professional body, e.g. The Institute of Horticulture, Professional Gardeners Guild etc.
* Degree or equivalent in Horticulture or related subject.
* An interest in Garden history and/or Landscape design.
* An interest in Organic or other environmentally friendly methods.
* Arboricultural training, qualifications and/or knowledge.