At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the maintenance and development of stunning gardens at a luxury hotel.
- Company: Palé Hall is a prestigious AA Five Red Star hotel in beautiful Snowdonia.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, onsite parking, and generous discounts.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team in a vibrant environment with exciting landscaping projects ahead!
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture and garden management is essential.
- Other info: Full-time role with a flexible schedule across five days.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Palé Hall, a destination country house hotel in beautiful Snowdonia, has a rare opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic Head Gardener to take overall responsibility for several acres of formal garden, parkland, wooded areas and walled garden. This is a full time permanent position, 40 hours per week, five days over seven. With an extensive landscaping project in the planning, Palé Hall is a very exciting place to be!
The only AA Five Red Star hotel in Wales, with AA Three Rosettes and the coveted Michelin Green Star for food sustainability, Palé Hall offers 22 individually designed bedrooms, suites and Garden Suites full of original features. The Henry Robertson fine dining room with tranquil views over the lawns serves our four and seven course tasting menus, and the rustic Huntsman bistro offers more relaxed dining from a traditional à la carte menu.
Under the direction of the Estates manager, the Head Gardener is responsible for the planned and day to day maintenance of defined property grounds and gardens at Palé Hall, including the greenhouse and polytunnel, and associated areas of the business. The successful candidate will have the skills and knowledge to maintain the gardens of the hotel to the highest standards and within the budgeted limits, make a keen input into the garden planning, and direct the gardens team in carrying out routine and seasonal tasks.
We value our people, and do all we can to make Palé Hall a rewarding and fulfilling place to work. We offer a competitive salary, onsite parking, free meals on duty, generous hotel discounts and monthly gratuities. Candidates must have the right to live and work in the UK, and be confident that they can commute to the hotel within the shift pattern of the role.
Main Duties- Overall responsibility for the following areas: Woodland, pond, walkways, gravel areas, orchard, polytunnel, greenhouse, walled garden, drives, borders, lawns, courtyard, plant containers and hanging baskets, hot tub cleaning and water monitoring.
- To liaise with the General Manager in creating and adhering to a matrix of routine and seasonal tasks.
- To plan, cost and obtain quotes for garden projects and pass to the Estates Manager for authorisation prior to work commencing.
- To create, develop and maintain a diverse kitchen garden to produce seasonal herbs, vegetables and edible flowers for the hotel in close liaison with the Head Chef.
- To direct the gardens team, assigning and monitoring routine tasks including weeding, pruning, mowing, digging, bonfire supervision, leaf blowing, watering, sowing, harvesting, salting, plant feeding.
- To have a keen interest in wildlife conservation and implement initiatives for the support and welfare of wildlife within the Palé estate.
- To plan, select and administer appropriate fertiliser for different plants at the correct time of year and in the appropriate weather conditions.
- To plan and undertake pruning appropriate to the species, maturity, time of year and weather conditions.
- To monitor soil conditions, plan and implement measures to preserve/improve soil structure and add/remove fertility appropriate to the purpose of that area, time of year and weather conditions.
- To monitor temperatures and manage appropriately e.g. fleecing plants, fan heaters, ventilation, watering, salting steps/paths/drives.
- To plan propagation – edible crops, trials, winter/summer displays, adapt for supply and demand e.g. sowing additional micro herbs ahead of time so that they are available on a seasonal basis.
- To identify and monitor plant pests and diseases, and implement measures to prevent and tackle.
- To keep a record of sowing, harvesting, temperature taking, fertiliser applications, pond treatments and tree damage.
- To report regularly to the General Manager on activities and scheduled work.
- An extensive knowledge and understanding of horticulture and proven practical experience in applying this through the seasons.
- To be able to demonstrate experience in establishing and maintaining a diverse walled garden to produce seasonal herbs, vegetables and edible flowers for the kitchen.
- To have a keen knowledge of trees, species and conditions, and their importance and impact on the estate.
- To be motivated and well organised, with a clear understanding of the expectations of the business and what is required within the role.
- To have the skills and knowledge to maintain the gardens and defined areas of responsibility to the required standard.
- To have excellent communication skills, and to display a positive, willing and flexible attitude towards the role and the working environment.
Full time permanent contract. Meals on duty. Onsite parking. Generous employee discounts.
Palé Hall Head Gardener Bala Palé Hall Maintenance 1 jour Nouveau DÉCOUVRIR employer: Relais & Châteaux
Contact Detail:
Relais & Châteaux Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Palé Hall Head Gardener Bala Palé Hall Maintenance 1 jour Nouveau DÉCOUVRIR
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural practices and sustainability initiatives that Palé Hall values. Research their current garden projects and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals during any informal conversations or networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local gardening communities or forums where you can connect with other professionals in the field. This could lead to valuable insights about the role and even potential referrals, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Visit Palé Hall if possible, and take note of the gardens and landscaping. This will not only give you a better understanding of the environment but also provide you with specific examples to mention when discussing your vision for the gardens during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills, as directing a team is a key part of the Head Gardener role. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed a team or project, and be ready to share these stories in conversations or interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Palé Hall Head Gardener Bala Palé Hall Maintenance 1 jour Nouveau DÉCOUVRIR
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in horticulture and garden management. Include specific examples of previous roles where you maintained gardens or led a team, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the Head Gardener position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Palé Hall and mention your passion for horticulture and wildlife conservation. Discuss how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, particularly your experience with kitchen gardens and seasonal planting.
Showcase Your Knowledge: Use the application to showcase your extensive knowledge of horticulture. Mention specific techniques or practices you have implemented in past roles that relate to the duties listed, such as soil management, pest control, or plant propagation.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role that involves maintaining high standards in garden management.
How to prepare for a job interview at Relais & Châteaux
✨Show Your Passion for Horticulture
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for gardening and horticulture during the interview. Share specific examples of your experience with maintaining gardens, especially in a formal setting, and discuss any unique projects you've undertaken.
✨Demonstrate Your Planning Skills
Since the role involves planning and executing garden projects, be prepared to discuss how you approach project management. Talk about your experience in budgeting, sourcing materials, and creating timelines for garden maintenance and development.
✨Highlight Your Team Leadership Experience
As the Head Gardener, you'll be directing a team. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, including how you assign tasks, monitor progress, and motivate team members to achieve high standards.
✨Discuss Wildlife Conservation Initiatives
Given the emphasis on wildlife conservation in the job description, be ready to talk about any initiatives you've implemented or participated in. This could include creating habitats, using sustainable practices, or any relevant certifications you may have.