Head Gardener

This job exists to ensure that the garden and policies of Pitmedden Garden and Haddo House are managed and maintained as nationally recognised gardens of high horticultural importance, contributing to the property’s overall conservation and development, and its enjoyment by visitors and supporters in line with the Trust conservation procedures and Heritage Garden Management Plan.
Ensuring the conservation and practical maintenance of the garden and policies – whether through delegation to other staff/volunteers, or personal participation - in terms of:

managing trees and shrubs, roses, herbaceous plants, vegetable and fruit gardens and bulbs; plant sales management, tree care, Arboricultural techniques, care & maintenance of garden machinery, tractors, and estate management equipment).
the identification, recording (using Plant databases), labelling of individual plants and other collections).
Research and development (e.g., research into historical precedents and practical contemporary solutions to inform proposed activities and projects).
through the development and delivery of events such as introductory talks, guided tours or practical demonstrations, contribution to guidebooks or leaflets).
~ Ensuring an appropriate management regime of the gardens and policies that includes the management of:

Staff: including the Regional Grass Cutter and volunteers (recruitment, induction, development, performance management) such that they are fully equipped and motivated to undertake their duties to the required Trust standards.
budgets (setting, phasing, monitoring, pro-active and re-active adjustments) such that both gardens’ finances are sustainable within the context of the wider property budgets.
health, safety and the environment in line with stated Trust policies and approaches to ensure the health and welfare of staff/volunteers.
recognition of the Trust’s Environmental Policy with respect to sustainable gardening activities, including energy, water, recycling, carbon reduction, peat & pesticide-use.
daily, weekly, yearly and longer-term operational work plans and reporting in the context of the properties’ statements of significance and action plans (and contribution to these action plans) to ensure that activities are prioritised and planned to optimize the use of resources.
customer service and care from garden staff/volunteers, and in the broader sense of facilities and “visiting experience”, to ensure that the properties’ reputation for excellence is maintained and enhanced.
Taking a lead property role in monitoring and reporting on hazardous tree inspections
taking an active role in promoting the gardens and properties through digital media, events, workshops, presentations, and talks.
Managing turf areas, traffic flow and protecting the estate landscape features during major events including supervision of contractors.
Fire and security duties on a rota basis
as well as a team of gardeners including: full time Gardeners, seasonal gardeners, and many volunteers.
Will have frequent interaction with suppliers and contractors.
Will regularly use computerised finance system for the raising of purchase orders for the supply of goods and service, monitoring and setting of revenue budgets and managing capital project work relating to garden activity at both properties.
Will be a frequent user of driven vehicles such as tractors, ride-on and pedestrian mowers.
Will be a frequent user of powered tools such as chainsaws, mowers, strimmers, hedge-cutters, etc.