At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and enhance a stunning 50-acre garden with a small, enthusiastic team.
- Company: Join a beautiful family-run estate in picturesque West Dorset.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with opportunities for hands-on gardening experience.
- Other info: Ideal for those who love teamwork and biodiversity in a scenic countryside setting.
- Why this job: Perfect for passionate horticulturists wanting to make a real impact in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualifications and experience in diverse gardens are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Job Title: Head Gardener – Formal & Kitchen Gardens
Location: Doddington Hall & Gardens, Lincolnshire
Reporting to: Head of Retail & Heritage
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated HeadGardener to lead the care, development and presentation of the formal gardens at Doddington Hall, including the Kitchen Garden. This is a hands‑on role requiring strong horticultural knowledge, attention to detail and a passion for maintaining gardens to an exceptional standard for visitors.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that the gardens remain a central part of the visitor experience, reflecting both historical integrity and seasonal beauty.
Key Responsibilities
Garden Management & Maintenance
- Oversee the day‑to‑day management of the formal gardens and Kitchen Garden
- Maintain high horticultural standards across lawns, borders, hedging, topiary and ornamental planting
- Support the Kitchen Gardener with crop planning, production and maintenance.
Team Leadership
- Supervise and support gardening staff and volunteers.
- Lead by example with a hands‑on approach to all horticultural tasks
- Assist with training and development of team members
Planning & Development
- Contribute to the ongoing development and enhancement of the gardens
- Work closely with the owner of the Hall on future garden projects and long‑term plans
- Ensure planting and maintenance align with the estate’s heritage and visitor offer
Visitor Experience
- Ensure the gardens are presented to the highest standard at all times
- Engage positively with visitors when required, sharing knowledge and enthusiasm
- Support events held within the gardens, including set‑up and maintenance before, during and after
Sustainability & Estate Integration
- Promote sustainable gardening practices, including composting, soil health and biodiversity
- Work collaboratively with other departments, particularly retail and catering, where produce from the Kitchen Garden is utilised
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience in a senior or supervisory gardening role
- Strong horticultural knowledge, particularly in formal garden maintenance and kitchen gardening
- Excellent plant knowledge, including seasonal planting and crop rotation
- Ability to lead and motivate a small team
- A proactive, organised and hands‑on approach
- Good communication skills
Desirable
- Relevant horticultural qualification (e.g. RHS Level 2 or above)
- Experience working in a historic garden or visitor attraction
Interest in heritage landscapes and traditional gardening techniques
Summary
This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated horticulturist to take a leading role in the stewardship of the gardens at Doddington Hall. The Senior Gardener will help ensure that the gardens continue to inspire visitors while supporting the wider estate’s vision of heritage, sustainability and excellence.
Head Gardener employer: ECG Limited
Join a family-run Estate in the breathtaking West Dorset countryside as a Head Gardener, where you will be part of a dedicated team committed to maintaining and enhancing stunning 50-acre gardens. This role offers a supportive work culture that values teamwork and biodiversity, alongside opportunities for professional growth in horticulture. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a picturesque setting that fosters creativity and passion for gardening.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific plants and horticultural practices relevant to the gardens at the estate. Research the types of flora present in similar environments and be prepared to discuss how you would manage and enhance these areas during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a team in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to teamwork and how you motivate others, as this role requires collaboration with an existing team.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your commitment to biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices. Be prepared to share your ideas on how to implement eco-friendly methods in the garden, which will resonate well with the values of a family-run estate.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your physical fitness and readiness for the demands of the job. You might want to mention any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to handle the physical aspects of gardening, such as lifting, digging, or operating machinery.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in horticulture, particularly in managing diverse gardens. Include specific examples of your previous roles and responsibilities that align with the requirements of the Head Gardener position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gardening and your leadership skills. Mention your academic qualifications and any relevant certifications, such as spraying or chainsaw certificates, even if they are not essential.
Highlight Teamwork Experience:Since this role involves working with a small team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Provide examples of how you have successfully led or worked within a team in previous gardening roles.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Biodiversity:Demonstrate your understanding of biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices in your application. Discuss any initiatives you have implemented in past roles that contributed to the health and diversity of gardens.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Horticulture
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for gardening and horticulture during the interview. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or plants you've cultivated that demonstrate your passion and expertise.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Experience
Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in previous roles, focusing on collaboration and achieving common goals.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Biodiversity
Given the emphasis on biodiversity in the job description, be ready to talk about your understanding of ecological practices and how you can implement them in the estate's gardens. Discuss any relevant experience you have with sustainable gardening techniques.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical knowledge and skills, such as plant identification and garden management techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of local flora and be ready to discuss how you would approach various gardening challenges.
