Head Gardener

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.

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.

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.

Qualifications:

• 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.

Additional Information:

• Full time permanent contract.
• Meals on duty.
• Onsite parking.
• Generous employee discounts.