Head Gardener

About the Role

The Exchange is seeking a skilled Head Gardener to join our team. As a key member of our community garden, you will be responsible for the maintenance and development of our designer garden, as well as the design and delivery of a community learning/volunteer support programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and nurture the garden, ensuring its successful development in line with Sarah Price's vision.
• Liaise with Sarah Price Landscapes regarding changes, upkeep, and development of the garden.
• Coordinate with Sarah Price and The Exchange on additional planting.
• Create opportunities for public interaction with the garden.
• Establish and manage The Exchange's sustainable compost programme.
• Order plants, equipment, and materials.
• Develop and care for the pelargonium collection in the greenhouse.
• Propagate plants for sale and use in the garden.

Volunteer Management

• Develop and maintain a group of volunteers to assist in the garden.
• Provide supervision and guidance to the volunteer team on practical horticultural tasks.
• Ensure health and safety procedures are followed.
• Support volunteers' skills and confidence development within the garden.
• Manage garden volunteer rotas and work tasks.
• Maintain volunteer records, including logging and evaluating volunteer hours.
• Keep in touch with volunteers and potential volunteers through regular communications.
• Organise volunteer recognition events/activities.

Other Responsibilities

• Support the development and delivery of new ideas to reach target groups and meet our aims.
• Work with the wider team to ensure effective communications about the garden as a visitor site and place for learning.
• Explore the potential for garden community learning programme development in line with the organisation's aims and objectives.
• Work with the senior leadership team on relevant funding applications.

Personal Specification

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about Sarah Price's approach to gardens, plants, and garden maintenance.
• Ecologically minded with a commitment to working organically.
• Practical experience and/or Entry Level Qualification in gardens and/or landscape management.
• Excellent plant knowledge and a keen interest in gardens and landscapes.
• Familiarity with most horticultural tasks and the use of basic tools.
• A willingness to work alongside and support and develop other staff and volunteers.
• Motivated with an eye for detail and a desire to achieve high standards, ability to work on own initiative.
• Good verbal communication skills, good organisational skills, and a good understanding of Health and Safety issues.
• Experience of working with communities/different groups of people.