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- Tasks: Manage and plan the gardens, ensuring sustainable practices and overseeing volunteers.
- Company: Join Sharpham Trust, a charity dedicated to mindfulness and environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fulfilling role with opportunities for personal growth and connection with nature.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate community while contributing to a new retreat centre.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening and a passion for sustainability are essential.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover position, offering a unique chance to lead during an exciting transition.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for a well-organised and flexible person to take over whilst our Head Gardener goes on maternity leave. We are a registered charity caring for the historic Grade 1 listed Sharpham House and Estate on the banks of the River Dart near to Totnes. At the heart of the Sharpham Trust ethos is our desire to build a more mindful, compassionate and environmentally sustainable world. We connect people with nature and foster mindfulness and well-being through our programme of retreats, mindfulness courses, public events, outdoor learning and the arts.
Responsibilities:
- You will be responsible for the planning and management of the ornamental and production gardens at Sharpham House, ensuring that the gardens are well-managed and supply produce to our kitchens.
- The walled vegetable garden is managed using no dig, organic and sustainable practices.
- You will oversee an assistant gardener and volunteers.
- The Trust is opening a new retreat centre, The Coach House, this spring and this is an exciting opportunity to be involved with this development.
- Retreatants will be working in the gardens on a daily basis carrying out a variety of tasks as part of their mindfulness retreat.
Head Gardener (full time, maternity cover) at Sharpham Trust, Devon employer: Organic Growers Alliance
Contact Detail:
Organic Growers Alliance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener (full time, maternity cover) at Sharpham Trust, Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ethos of Sharpham Trust. Understanding their commitment to mindfulness, sustainability, and community engagement will help you align your values with theirs during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with organic and sustainable gardening practices. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you've used, especially in relation to no-dig methods, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your leadership skills and experience managing teams or volunteers. Since you'll be overseeing an assistant gardener and working with retreatants, demonstrating your ability to inspire and guide others will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the new retreat centre, The Coach House, and think about how you can contribute to its development. Bringing ideas on how to integrate gardening into the retreat experience could set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener (full time, maternity cover) at Sharpham Trust, Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head Gardener position. Highlight your relevant experience in managing gardens, especially with organic and sustainable practices.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your gardening experience, particularly in ornamental and production gardens. Include any relevant qualifications or certifications in horticulture, as well as your ability to manage teams and volunteers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gardening and sustainability. Mention your alignment with the Sharpham Trust ethos and how your skills can contribute to their mission of connecting people with nature.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as planning, organisation, and flexibility. Discuss your experience with no dig and organic gardening methods, as well as your ability to oversee and mentor others in a garden setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Organic Growers Alliance
✨Show Your Passion for Gardening
Make sure to express your genuine love for gardening and sustainable practices. Share personal experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to organic gardening and how you connect with nature.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since the role requires planning and management, be prepared to discuss how you organise tasks and manage time effectively. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully managed a team or project.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Leadership Experience
As you'll be overseeing an assistant gardener and volunteers, it's crucial to showcase your leadership skills. Talk about how you've motivated and guided others in previous roles, especially in a gardening or outdoor setting.
✨Align with the Trust's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the Sharpham Trust's mission of mindfulness and sustainability. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their vision during your time as Head Gardener.
