Head Gardener

2 weeks ago

Oxford, United Kingdom Jesus College Oxford Full time

**Description**:
Exeter College and Jesus College are seeking to appoint a **Head Gardener** who will be responsible for planning and implementing an annual programme of preparation and maintenance of the gardens at the two colleges.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a unique environment, with a mix of gardens which are open to public view and others which are private or used for functions. You will work across a number of different college-owned sites, and will be responsible for the propagation and rearing of plants, and for planting, weeding, pruning and daily care. In addition, you will prepare a termly report for the Gardens Committee, make proposals for improvements, and undertake a rolling programme of tree planting.

Interviews will be held w/c 16 June 2025.

Previous applicants need not apply.

**Key Responsibilities**:
The Head Gardener is responsible for planning and implementing an annual programme of preparation and maintenance of the gardens at Exeter College and Jesus College (together with associated college premises).

This programme includes responsibility for the propagation and rearing of plants, and for planting, weeding, pruning and daily care. It is essential that the postholder should be a keen and experienced plants-person, as well as having experience of managing a formal garden.

In addition, the postholder will prepare a termly report for the relevant college committee(s), make proposals for improvements, and undertake a rolling programme of tree planting.

**Skills, Knowledge and Expertise**:
It is essential that you are a keen and experienced plants-person, as well as having experience of managing a formal garden and a proven track record of high-quality horticultural work. You should possess a minimum qualification of NVQ Level 3 or equivalent (e.g. NCH, HND, OND, City & Guilds, Kew or Edinburgh Diploma in Horticulture, RHS Level 3, MHort RHS).

More broadly, we are looking for someone who is confident in working and communicating with people from a wide range of backgrounds, and who has excellent planning and organisation skills. Experience of supervising staff would be an advantage, as would a full, clean UK driving licence.

**Benefits**:
In return, we offer a starting salary from £30,000, depending on skills and experience. We also offer a range of benefits including a generous annual leave entitlement, access to excellent pension and healthcare/ dental schemes, a bus pass scheme, and a free meal whilst on duty.

**About Jesus College Oxford**:
Jesus College combines academic excellence in teaching and research with an informal, vibrant, and supportive community. We currently have 400 undergraduates, 300 graduates, 110 Fellows, 50 lecturers and 90 support staff. Over 5,300 Alumni are in touch with the College, spread across 84 countries. Over 800 of our Old Members came back to College in the last twelve months and we hope that that number will continue to rise.

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