Head Gardener

Ramsbury Manor, Wiltshire

A six hundred acre estate, run by a charitable organisation, located in NE Wiltshire close to the market towns of Marlborough and Hungerford. 

The C18th walled garden at Ramsbury Manor has recently been refurbished to a beautiful design by leading international garden designer Todd Longstaffe-Gowan. 

The walled garden will provide enjoyment to visitors who visit it specifically and will become part of the ensemble of exceptionally significant heritage assets, in the national context, open to the public.

We are now looking to complete the next phase of the gardens development with the construction of a significant new glasshouse.The head gardener will be responsible for maintaining the newly improved gardens at Ramsbury, as well as maintaining formal areas across the estate. The Head Gardener has two other gardeners (one PT), as well as the collaborative support of the estate team and external contractors. On appointment, the Head Gardener will be able to appoint a senior gardener to support the increasing expectations of the garden and of the new glasshouses.

Job Summary and Responsibilities:

To be responsible for managing all horticultural aspects of The Ramsbury Manor Estate including:

• Oversee and manage the garden team with maintenance and long-term development of walled garden and glasshouses along with garden areas around the Manor House, Pool Complex and future development.

• Liaise with and assist the estate team with the upkeep of the park, lawns, and associated trees. Monitoring the health of trees and identifying where remedial work might be necessary.

• Assist when required with the management of woodland areas, the lake and surrounding waterways.

• Assist design teams and contractors with horticultural aspects of estate projects.

• Supervise and monitor contractors involved in horticultural maintenance/projects to ensure their safety and employee safety.

• Responsible for volunteer and visitor management and safety within the gardens. Delivering tours and assisting with children/students relating to the Foundation’s educational programs, where they may interact with the grounds and garden.

• Supervise the training of apprentices/new staff on horticultural practices.

• Responsible for ensuring compliance with health and safety and associated record keeping, including the safe use of tools and machinery, and notifying the Estate Manager of maintenance/replacement requirements. To ensure the safe use of pesticides and that COSHH regulations are adhered to.

• Maintain records of existing and new planting schemes.

• Attend regular meetings with the estate management team.

• Flexibility to cover weekend work if required.

• Working flexibly and collaboratively to carry out any other duties in relation to the estate that The Ramsbury Manor Foundation may reasonably request.

Requirements:

• A good horticultural knowledge - to include plant husbandry, turf maintenance, P&D control, basic machinery maintenance and good plant knowledge appropriate to both outside and under glass. Good knowledge of seed cultivation and vegetable production is essential.

• Good communication and people management skills, with the ability to lead people of different ages and skill levels. Approachable with a positive outlook.

• An understanding of garden design principles.

• An understanding of Health and Safety and other legislation relating to Horticulture.

• Good practical experience, ideally having previously worked in a country estate setting.

• To have a reasonable level of fitness and able to carry out physically demanding tasks.

• Level 3 or above qualification in horticulture.

• Competent IT skills.

• PA1 & PA6 or equivalent spraying certification.

• Full Driving Licence.

Responsible to: The Estate Manager

Remuneration

Appropriate remuneration and very nice accommodation to support the individual experience and requirments of the candidate. 

We are hoping that the new Head Gardener might be able to join us in May, but this is negotiable.