Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the maintenance and restoration of historic gardens at iconic English Heritage sites.
- Company: Join English Heritage, a charity dedicated to preserving England's rich history and heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy hands-on gardening, research opportunities, and a chance to work with historical landscapes.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for gardening with history while making a real impact on cultural preservation.
- Qualifications: A love for gardening and knowledge of historical plants is essential; experience in horticulture is a plus.
- Other info: Work at stunning locations like Brodsworth Hall and Bolsover Castle, surrounded by history.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Dan Hale is a Head Gardener working for English Heritage. English Heritage is a registered charity and is one of the most important guardians of historic sites in England. English Heritage cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments, and sites spanning over 6,000 years of history.
Responsibilities
- Working in the historic gardening sector at Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, Bolsover Castle, and Gainsborough Old Hall.
- Maintenance and restoration of the gardens.
- Overseeing the management and restoration of the historic gardens.
- Conducting hands-on gardening and research using old Ordnance Survey (OS) maps and archival photographs to create period-correct planting designs.
- Utilizing only plants that would have been available in the period the property was first built.
- Researching the introduction of plants into the United Kingdom and their origins.
- Implementing Mediterranean planting schemes focusing on plants introduced in or before the Victorian era.
- Applying knowledge from science, history, geography, English, and maths in gardening practices.
Tags
Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC), Curriculum Connector, English Heritage, Gardening, Gatsby Benchmark 4, Horticulture, Management, Science, Volunteering
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Gardener employer: OAT Futures
Contact Detail:
OAT Futures Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific historic sites you'll be working at, like Brodsworth Hall and Bolsover Castle. Understanding their unique gardening styles and historical contexts will give you an edge in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your hands-on experience with period-correct planting designs. If you've worked on similar projects or have knowledge of historical gardening practices, be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the horticulture and heritage sectors. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who share your passion for historic gardening.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your research skills by preparing insights on the introduction of plants into the UK and their historical significance. This will show your commitment to the role and your understanding of the responsibilities involved.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Head Gardener at English Heritage. Highlight your experience in historic gardening, maintenance, and restoration of gardens in your application.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Detail your hands-on gardening experience, especially any work involving historical research or period-correct planting designs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in utilising plants from the appropriate era.
Highlight Research Skills: Emphasise your ability to conduct research using archival materials and old maps. Mention any previous projects where you successfully implemented Mediterranean planting schemes or similar historical gardening practices.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Craft a CV and cover letter that reflect your passion for horticulture and history. Make sure to align your skills with the job description, showcasing your knowledge in science, geography, and maths as they relate to gardening.
How to prepare for a job interview at OAT Futures
✨Show Your Passion for Historic Gardening
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for gardening, especially in a historic context. Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to preserving and restoring gardens, as this will resonate with the values of English Heritage.
✨Demonstrate Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you would use archival photographs and old Ordnance Survey maps in your work. Highlight any previous research experience and how it has informed your gardening practices, particularly in creating period-correct planting designs.
✨Knowledge of Plant History
Familiarise yourself with the history of plants introduced to the UK, especially those relevant to the Victorian era. During the interview, mention specific plants and their origins, showcasing your understanding of how historical context influences gardening choices.
✨Emphasise Team Management Skills
As a Head Gardener, you'll likely oversee a team. Discuss your experience in managing teams, including how you motivate and guide others in gardening tasks. Providing examples of successful team projects can illustrate your leadership capabilities.
