Location: Highgrove Gardens, Doughton, Gloucestershire, GL8 8TQ
Department: Gardening
Reports to: Head Gardener
Salary: TBC, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Job Summary
Working closely with the Head Gardener in leading, managing and developing a team of gardeners and trainees predominantly within the Production and Nursery area of the garden. To maintain and present the Kitchen Garden and associated areas to the highest possible standards and deliver excellence in organic gardening both technically and aesthetically.
Main Areas of Responsibility
- Work with the Head Gardener in the planning, and production of fruit, vegetables, cut flowers and indoor plants for use within the organisation.
- Draw up both seasonal and weekly work plans and work alongside the gardeners in carrying out these tasks such as propagation, planting, border cultivation, mowing, hedge cutting, weeding, mulching, etc.
- Supervise and support the Head Gardener with the management of gardeners, trainees and volunteers. This may include training, development, performance reviews and providing input into garden work plans.
- The job holder is expected to resolve day-to-day problems that arise relating to the works undertaken, seeking advice or approval from the Head Gardener where necessary.
- Input when requested into the annual revenue and garden project budgets.
Support the Head Gardener with ensuring all aspects of Health and Safety legislation are being followed and are up to date. Report any accidents, near misses or dangerous occurrences as necessary. Provide input, when requested, into risk and COSHH assessments.
- Contribute to the preparation for events and tours ensuring the gardens are shown to their highest horticultural standard.
- Carry out practical horticultural tasks such as; planting, leaf clearing etc.
- Ensure high horticultural and presentation standards are met.
- Ensure organic and sustainability standards are met Ensure that relevant organic theories are put into practice and maintain good links with Garden Organic and The Soil Association.
- Partake in CPD opportunities to enhance your role.
Essential Criteria
- Previous practical experience in a high quality Kitchen Garden open to the public (3+ years)
- Qualified to National Diploma NVQ Level 3 equivalent level of vocational experience/training.
- Full, manual driving licence.
- Excellent plant identification and maintenance knowledge.
- Competent in the use and care for a wide range of machinery and equipment.
- Experience working in a range of horticultural settings such as ornamental borders, meadow, arboretum and vegetable garden.
- Understand current health and safety legislation.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Good organisational skills and the proven ability to prioritise own work.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times and exercise discretion.
Desirable Criteria
- Range of machinery certificates.
- Experience of working to organic principles.
Hours of Work
- 40 hours per week (Full Time)
- Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm (unpaid lunch break)
- Extra weekend watering duties are required on a rota/seasonal basis
Additional Information
- The post will be based at Highgrove Gardens with the requirement to travel on occasion.
- You must have the legal right to work in the UK.
- This job involves strenuous physical activity including soil cultivation, plant establishment, maintenance and the use of a range of powered machinery.
Applications
Please submit a completed Application Form along with a cover letter and CV, to the following email address: hr.recruitment@kings-foundation.org.
View and download job description
Highgrove Gardens
Highgrove Gardens is a highly renowned garden, described as one of the most inspiring and innovative gardens in the UK. Since 1980, the gardens have been managed organically and include a variety of garden features and areas, including a walled kitchen garden, a thyme walk, topiary and hedging, a terrace garden, a cottage garden, wildflower meadows, island beds, an arboretum, a woodland garden, and various water features.
The King's Foundation
The King’s Foundation is a charity founded by King Charles III and was first formed in 1990. Inspired by the vision and values of His Majesty, the Foundation focuses on creating better communities where people, places and the planet can coexist in harmony.
The charity offers education courses for over 15,000 students annually, health and wellbeing programmes for nearly 2,000 people every year, and spearheads placemaking and regeneration projects in the UK and overseas to revitalise communities and historic buildings.
The King’s Foundation is headquartered at its flagship regeneration project, Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, and acts as custodian of other historic Royal sites including the Castle of Mey in Caithness, Scotland, and Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire, which are open to visitors. The Foundation also carries out its work at educational and cultural hubs in London, based at The King’s Foundation School for Traditional Arts in Shoreditch, Trinity Buoy Wharf on the River Thames and the Garrison Chapel in Chelsea.
The work of The King’s Foundation is underpinned by our Founder His Majesty The King’s philosophy of harmony: that by understanding the balance, the order and the relationships between ourselves and the natural world we can create a more sustainable future. We have a diverse and inclusive workplace, creating a welcoming, safe space for everyone. This means that every member of our team can bring their whole self to work. We encourage qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply to and join The King’s Foundation and bring their valuable skills and experiences.
The Foundation is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees, including the provision of workplace adjustments. We do not tolerate discrimination based on protected characteristics (age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership) or other differences such as socio-economic background or social origin.
Closing date for applications: Friday, 13th September 2024
