Head Gardener - Ref 1432 Date: February 14, 2025

The Kelmarsh Trust is seeking to appoint a Head Gardener who will have overall responsibility for the management of the iconic gardens at Kelmarsh as well as aspects of the wider estate.

The gardens at Kelmarsh extend over some 8 acres and are laid out as a series of rooms and corridors surrounding a walled garden and with formal lawns on East and West fronts. The unusual triangular-shaped walled garden is mainly ornamental but includes some demonstration vegetable and fruit plots. There is a heated Vinery and glasshouse facilities.

The role of the Head Gardener is to maintain these important gardens which are set in and overlook the rolling Northamptonshire countryside, and to lead the small gardens team plus teams of Tuesday/Wednesday volunteers who have proved to be very committed and effective over these past 10 years. The work will include all aspects of practical horticulture, including propagation, planting, lawn care, hedges and topiary,

rose care, glasshouse work, care of extensive perennial borders and seasonal planning, as well as having practical experience with tractors, their attachments and with all garden machinery and tools.

The position provides an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to make a significant contribution to this important heritage site. The candidate will need to demonstrate:

• Level 3 or above RHS horticultural qualification.

• Experience as a head gardener at another garden of similar scale or as a senior under gardener in a larger team.

• Experience in all aspects of practical horticulture including propagation, planting, lawn care, and seasonal planning.

• Hold NPTC PA1/PA6 Knapsack Spraying qualification and NPTC Level 2 Chain Saw Maintenance & Cross Cutting (desirable).

• The ability to lead garden tours and to host talks about the gardens for specific visitor groups and organisations.

Normal working hours are 8.00 to 17.00 - Monday to Friday

More information about Kelmarsh can be found at our website https://kelmarsh.com

Please apply in writing with a short covering letter and CV or for a full job description please contact Rachel estatedirector@kelmarsh.com

For a confidential discussion please call Rachel 01604 686543 or mobile 07734 385671

In line with their Equal Opportunities Policy, the Kelmarsh Trust welcome applications from the widest possible and most diverse range of individuals.