Head Gardener

Job Summary:
To maintain and develop the historic ornamental grounds and gardens to the highest horticultural standards and contribute to the overall improvement in the quality of Lydiard Park..

**Responsibilities**:
1. To maintain the walled flower garden, courtyard garden and ornamental home circuit to the highest horticultural standards, working closely with the Lydiard Management Team.

2. To secure the continuing restoration of Lydiard Park gardens in accordance with the Council’s objectives, policies and agreed management plan. Contribute towards the periodic review of these policies and plans.

3. To work with the Lydiard Manager to implement the Commercialisation Plan for Lydiard House and Park, and to support the wider team in driving commercial opportunities.

4. To work with the Lydiard Education and Outreach Officer to devise, implement, monitor and manage programs of horticultural training, specific to Lydiard Park, for garden staff, apprenticeships, students, trainees and larger groups of volunteers of all abilities. Such programs to be effective, rewarding for participants, and contribute towards the quality, reputation, community and outreach objectives for the park.

5. To prepare, operate and monitor weekly, monthly and annual programs of work and costs for the garden team to include the maintenance and development of historic plant collections.

6. To supervise, monitor and direct garden staff, apprentices and volunteers, together with specialist external contractors and Council services, to ensure that work is carried out to the highest appropriate standards.

7. To provide reports to the Lydiard Manager as required.

8. To liaise and work closely with all members of the Lydiard Park and Culture Swindon teams, St. Mary’s Church and other stakeholders.

9. To ensure the fulfillment of all Health, Safety, CoSHH, pesticide and other regulation as affect the operations of the gardens and planting schemes in the wider landscape.

10.To oversee the apprenticeship programme (NVQ1-3), liaising with the National Trust College at Reaseheath as necessary to ensure that training needs are met.

11. To devise and deliver a programme of public events relating to the management of the gardens and ornamental grounds.

**Job Type**: Temporary contract
Contract length: 5 months

**Salary**: £13.02 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Life insurance

**Experience**:

- Gardening: 1 year (required)
- NPTC certificates of competence with equipment & pesticides: 1 year (required)

Licence/Certification:

- HND standard or equivalent in Horticulture Management (required)

Work Location: In person