At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to maintain and enhance stunning gardens across 280 acres.
- Company: Join Bradfield College, a prestigious institution dedicated to environmental respect and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension scheme, health cash plan, free parking, and subsidised sports memberships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on beautiful outdoor spaces while promoting sustainability and conservation.
- Qualifications: Experience in garden management, RHS level 3+, and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Work in a tranquil setting with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
If you are an experienced gardens management professional, with a reputation for excellence, and thorough knowledge of practical and technical aspects of horticulture, this position offers an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role maintaining, conserving and enhancing the beautiful gardens of Bradfield College and St Andrews School.
The Role
As Head of Gardens, you will lead the gardens team and play a vital role in shaping the visual and ecological character of Bradfield College\’s extensive grounds, which span over 280 acres and sit within a designated conservation area and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
You will be responsible for the maintenance, conservation and enhancement of Bradfield College\’s outdoor spaces, including landscaped gardens and woodland areas, preserving the natural charm of the site and providing a tranquil and inspiring setting for pupils, staff, and visitors alike, aligning with Bradfield\’s ethos of respect for the environment and its role in community wellbeing.
Additional responsibilities will include the development of seasonal and weather dependent schedules of work, the monitoring and management/preservation of trees, in addition to managing gardens improvement projects and minimising the impact of gardens maintenance activities on the environment to support our environmental sustainability goals.
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Head of Gardens employer: Bradfield College
Contact Detail:
Bradfield College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Gardens
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the horticulture and gardens management field. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to connect with potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous garden projects, conservation efforts, and any innovative ideas you've implemented. This will give you an edge during interviews and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the specific gardens and conservation areas you'll be working with. Understand their ethos and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your answers to reflect your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Bradfield College and making a difference in their beautiful gardens.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Gardens
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let your love for gardens and horticulture shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your expertise and how you've contributed to garden management in the past.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your experience with conservation areas and AONBs, as well as any relevant qualifications like RHS level 3+ or IOSH Managing Safely.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Gardens role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Bradfield College.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bradfield College
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge, especially regarding conservation areas and AONBs. Be ready to discuss specific plants, maintenance techniques, and how you can enhance the ecological character of the gardens.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've motivated and managed teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to create a positive work culture and how you’ve successfully overseen garden projects from start to finish.
✨Demonstrate Your Planning Prowess
Be ready to talk about how you develop seasonal work schedules and manage resources effectively. Discuss any experience you have with minimising environmental impact during maintenance activities.
✨Health and Safety First
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to gardening and conservation. Be prepared to explain how you promote a safe working environment and ensure compliance among your team.