Head Gardener
From horticruitment

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a passionate Head Gardener to join a well-respected award-winning company. The company has been responsible for numerous high-profile projects for many years and are currently expanding their maintenance and soft landscaping operations, leading to an increasing number of high-profile contracts. They are now seeking a Head Gardener to lead a dedicated site team for an exciting landscaping project in North Oxford. In addition to a competitive salary, the client will generously pay for the travel expenses of the successful candidate.
The Site:
Candidates will predominately be working within a large static science park site based just outside of Oxford. The successful candidate will play a key role in the soft landscape installation of the landscape and the subsequent maintenance to ensure establishment of the newly planted gardens and future horticultural development of the site. The site includes ornamental, woodland and aquatic planting across several acres of landscape.
Main Responsibilities:
The Head Gardener will be responsible for a team of gardeners and soft landscapers and will be calling off plants, setting out and planting grasses, perennials, shrubs, lawns and trees to the architect’s design and specification. They will also be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the landscaped areas during and after construction, ensuring the site remains a beautiful, safe and welcoming environment for the employees within the science park once completed. This is a client-facing role and the successful candidate will need to be professional at all times, dealing with any questions or enquiries the client or architect may have and to respond in a timely manner. Our client is seeking an individual who is diligent with an extensive horticultural experience and management experience.
Duties will include but are not limited to the following:
- Manage a small team of gardeners and soft landscapers, ensuring they are briefed daily as per the project requirements and work safely as per the companies Health and Safety policy
- Liaise with the Contract Manager, Landscape Architect and Designer, ensuring their planting plans and designs are implemented and giving horticultural advice on these plans as required
- Develop and carry out seasonal water, fertilise, and care plans for plants, shrubs, trees, and lawns, ensuring their health and vitality.
- Develop and implement a seasonal maintenance plan such as hedge cutting, mowing, weeding, pruning, and trimming to ensure all landscaped areas are kept in optimal condition.
- Ensure winter protection of the site including gritting and snow and ice clearance.
- Monitor and implement additional planting of seasonal flowers, shrubs, bulbs and trees as required.
- Develop and implement a pests and diseases prevention strategy, using appropriate methods to maintain plant health.
- Monitor and ensure all machinery and tools are in good working order
- Encourage gardening teams horticultural and environmental development using plant ID’s and regular assessments of the site throughout the season including tree records, core testing, biodiversity strategy implementation and regular recording of wildlife across the site.
- Ensure the site is kept clean by removing litter and managing garden waste appropriately.
- Adhere to all health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe working environment for yourself, team members and the public.
- Regularly report to the Contract Manager and Client on the status of the site, including any issues or improvements needed.
Key Skills:
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong work ethic, having the ability to work under their own initiative while taking pride in their work and completing tasks to a high standard throughout all tasks on the large site. Candidates will be flexible and willing to extend their duties where needed. As such, this is a physically demanding position which requires a fit and strong individual who is comfortable working in all weathers. An understanding of Health and Safety regulations is essential. A PA1/PA6 spraying certificate and SSSTS would be desirable, however not essential.
- Experience: Previous experience in managing a garden and soft landscaping projects essential as well as a proven track record of managing small teams of gardeners.
- Knowledge: A high understanding of horticultural practices, landscape maintenance techniques and soft landscaping skills essential.
- Physical Fitness: Ability to perform physical tasks in various weather conditions.
- Attention to Detail: Keen eye for detail to maintain high standards of garden aesthetics.
- Communication: Good communication skills to work effectively with the team and report to the Contract Manager, Landscape Architect and Client.
- Certification: Relevant horticultural qualifications RHS Level 2 and above and work experience. PA1/PA6 and SSSTS preferred
Please note that candidates are required to hold a full driver’s license for this role.
Benefits:
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays.
- Opportunities for training and professional development.
- Uniform and PPE provided.
- Travel expenses covered.
- Paid overtime
- Opportunity for a tax-free bonus at the end of each year.
Working Hours are 7:30 – 16:00 Monday to Friday however seasonal working changes do apply. Therefore, candidates must be flexible with their working hours
SALARY: £42,500 + Travel Expenses
LOCATION: Oxford
JOB No: X099
If this vacancy is of interest, please ‘Apply’ or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 732767 or email sophie@horticruitment.com
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Thank you for your interest in this Head Gardener role. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.
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