About Us
The City of London Corporation manages some of the country's most iconic and cherished green spaces, including Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, West Ham Park and Queen's Park.
Together, these award-winning landscapes provide vital opportunities for recreation, wellbeing, conservation and community engagement across London.
Queen's Park has been at the heart of its community since 1887 and welcomes visitors throughout the year to enjoy its ornamental gardens, woodland walks, sports facilities, children's play areas, café and a wide range of visitor facilities.
It is a busy, thriving park that hosts a range of community events and activities, making it one of London's most valued public spaces.
The Role
As Head Gardener, you will lead and manage the Gardening Team, including the gardener, apprentices and volunteers, ensuring Queen's Park continues to be maintained and presented to the highest possible standards.
Working closely with the Senior Ranger, you'll balance your time between:
- Leading horticultural maintenance and development across the park.
- Delivering seasonal planting schemes and landscape improvements.
- Managing and developing staff, apprentices and volunteers.
- Planning and delivering horticultural projects.
- Assisting with the day-to-day operation and management of the park.
- Supporting events, activities and community engagement.
- Working with contractors, user groups and stakeholders.
- Maintaining Green Flag Award standards and contributing to future improvements.
- Ensuring the park remains welcoming, safe and enjoyable for all visitors.
No two days are the same. One day you may be planning new planting displays and supervising practical works, while the next you could be supporting an outdoor event, liaising with community groups, overseeing contractors or helping deliver conservation objectives across the site.
The Ideal Candidate
You'll be a motivated horticultural professional who enjoys working outdoors, leading people and making a visible difference to a valued public space.
You will have:
- NVQ Level 3 in Horticulture or equivalent experience.
- Strong practical horticultural knowledge and experience.
- Experience working within parks, gardens, open spaces or similar environments.
- Experience supervising staff, volunteers or contractors.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Experience operating horticultural machinery and equipment.
- A full UK driving licence.
- A positive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.
- A commitment to delivering high standards and excellent visitor experiences.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to leave your mark on one of London's most historic and well-loved parks.
You’ll have the chance to:
- Lead a skilled and dedicated team.
- Deliver meaningful horticultural and landscape projects.
- Develop your leadership and management experience.
- Work in a role that combines horticulture, public engagement and park operations.
- Help shape the future of a nationally recognised public green space.
- Be part of an organisation responsible for some of the UK's most prestigious open spaces.
Benefits Include
- Salary of £44,150
- £48,979 per annum inclusive of allowances.
- 24 days annual leave plus public holidays, increasing with service.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Employee assistance and wellbeing support.
- Access to a broad range of City of London employee benefits.
Job Details
Company: City of London Corporation
Location: City of London, EC4V 3AL
Hours: Full-time
Job type: Permanent
Join Us
If you're ready to combine your horticultural expertise with leadership, creativity and public service in one of London's most unique park environments, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Queen's Park and help create beautiful spaces, inspire your team and make a lasting impact on the millions of people who enjoy London's green spaces every year.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process the successful applicant will be required to obtain a Basic Disclosure & Barring Service check.
The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.
Closing date: 23:59pm on 16 November 2026
Interviews will be held on 27 November 2026
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head Gardener in City of London employer: City of London Corporation
The Guildhall School of Music & Drama is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to professional development and innovation, employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements and the opportunity to collaborate with leading artists and professionals in the performing arts sector. Join us to be part of a prestigious institution that values creativity and fosters growth in a supportive community.
Contact Details:
City of London Corporation Recruitment Team
