Lead Gardener

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

As a Lead Gardener you will be leading a small team of up to 5 gardeners undertaking a range of gardening activities whilst delivering a high-quality grounds maintenance service to our customers and stakeholders

We are seeking an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and dynamic Lead gardener, with excellent attention to detail and experience of supervising a team. Proven management skills with the ability to inspire, support both Nurtures and our client's values, be a positive team player alongside excellent communication styles. Candidates must have solid plant knowledge and experience.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Lead gardener will be responsible for daily management of the landscaping team, including work schedules, timekeeping, compliance, alongside applying 'best horticultural practices' and always enforcing health and safety work ethics across the estate. The head gardener will spend a good percentage of time working outdoors in all weather conditions and will be required to be 'fit and active' to perform physical tasks as part of their role.

The head gardener must have a proven ability to work well with contractors, landscape designers, consultants, suppliers with an understanding of client and stakeholder importance. It would also be advantageous if the applicant was comfortable holding garden talks, also required to support the Estate's public and community engagement work as directed through the landscape manager by the client.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage the planting and cultivation of all plants, for all areas of the estate, ensuring that they are healthy and thriving.
Co-develop detailed garden maintenance plans that includes planting, weeding, pruning, pest control, fertilising, and watering (all to organic standards) to ensure that the gardens and grounds are always in excellent condition. Liaise regularly with the Landscape manager to ensure that the Estate management overall meets the vision and desired outputs.
Lead and motivate a working team of gardeners to ensure that the estate is maintained to the highest standards. 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.
Maintain an inventory of all hand/ power tools and equipment used for gardening and landscaping, ensuring that they are in good condition and that replacements are ordered in a timely manner.
Keep and maintain detailed and up-to-date records of all work carried out in the gardens such as planting schedules, maintenance records, and inventory records, as required for Landscape manuals and Standard Operating Procedures.
Ensure compliance with health and safety policies, procedures and legalisation requirements are adhered to including the use of personal protective equipment and safe working practices.
Ensure all staff are appropriately trained and inducted.
An awareness of plant pests and diseases as outlined by DEFRA, and preferred biocontrol measures. Practitioner of organic and environmentally friendly methods of horticulture. Preferred ability in preparing COSHH and risk assessments.
Awareness of Environmental Policy with respect to sustainable gardening activities, including energy, water, peat & pesticide-use.
Conduct garden talks and collaborating with our clients on relevant events, including hands-on workshops and other educational and community activities.
Adhere to Company policies and procedures including employment policies and procedures.
Customer service, 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 estate.
Managing changing requirements or procedures to ensure the best use of resources.RELEVANT SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

Level 3 or above RHS horticultural qualification and/or equivalent experience as a head gardener within a similar size estate.
Up-to-date knowledge of Health and Safety and COSHH regulations.
Experience of writing and reviewing risk assessments.
Ideally 3-5 years of experience of managing a professional, productive team of gardeners well with strong communication and collaboration skills and an inclusive style.
Proactive, enthusiastic, organised, motivated, positive, resilient and a flexible team player who can pitch in whenever and wherever effort is needed - we are a very practical team.
Competent in the use of garden hand and power tools.
A basic knowledge of irrigation setup and parts.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office.
Personable, with a friendly approach; able to interact well with client, other service providers, staff and visitors.Desirable

An understanding of a conservation approach to land management regarding biodiversity, habitat creation, wildflower meadows and ponds.
A working knowledge of organic and sustainable practices would be advantageous.
Good presentation skills and experience of managing garden tours, giving talks and other public facing events that engage the public with nature and plants are desirable.RG Setsquare is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy