Head Gardener

U.S. Embassy, London and other U.S. Government sites

Closing Date

August 23, 2026

Work Hours

Full-time, 40 hours/week

£62,181 gross starting salary per annum

• Merit-based Compensation (Performance-related pay awards)
• Private Medical Insurance and Life Insurance Plans
• Bi-weekly salary payments
• Season Ticket Loan (Transportation)
• Training opportunities & personal development
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual and Sick Leave
• UK and U.S. paid public holidays (15 days)
• Restaurant facility & Bar area
• On-site Gym

The U.S. Embassy London is seeking an experienced Head Gardener.

The incumbent serves as London’s Subject Matter Expert and authority in all matters pertaining to horticulture. The expertise of the incumbent is fundamental to meet, maintain and raise horticultural standards, particularly in respect of the cultural and historical significance of the Ambassador’s Residence (Winfield House, Regent’s Park), the second largest private garden in central London.

The incumbent is also responsible for the maintenance of gardens at the Embassy compound, external landscape of 3.5 acres, aquatic plants and vegetation associated with a 1.5-million-gallon lake, and six primary interior garden spaces and all U.S. Government-Owned (GO) properties.

Leads, manages and mentors a team of seven professional Horticulturists, located at the Ambassador’s Residence and Embassy compound. Also produces and manages the yearly schedules for all government-owned properties. Serves as Contracting Officer’s Representative, managing and overseeing all contracts and contractors relating to all horticultural works on behalf of the U.S. Government.

• Has sole responsibility for the management and planning of 13 acres of grounds including four large greenhouses at Winfield House as well as the Embassy compound and other U.S. Government Properties.
• Prepares budget/costs and detailed planning for long-term planting schemes to preserve and enhance the grounds by sourcing and procuring replacement plants, shrubs and trees throughout the grounds.
• Maintains the nursery, producing flowering and green plants as well as seasonal bedding plants for Winfield House, the Embassy compound and other Embassy properties as required.
• Develops and determines appropriate maintenance and management regimes for all horticultural/ornamental features of Winfield House, the Embassy compound and other Embassy properties as required.
• The incumbent is responsible for the management and supervision of a team of seven professional Horticulturists, as well as a number of summer hires.
• Plans & designs all cut flowers and floral decorations for the interior of Winfield House, liaising with the Ambassador and the House Managers for individual functions and celebrations such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Independence Day and sponsored events.
• Gives tours to high-level visitors who visit U.S. Government-owned properties.
• Performs other additional duties as assigned/required.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.

For the experience and education requirements, applicants must meet either Option 1 or Option 2.

OPTION 1

Experience

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in designing, planning and management of large gardens over ten acres in size. Experience in in-house floral design & decoration. Experience of the cyclical maintenance of a high-quality garden open to the public, a garden with specialist historic and botanic plant collections. Experience in the care, cultivation and conservation of landscape detail for external and internal landscapes with a wide variety of flora. Experienced with the procurement of nursery stock for selection and quality and species selection for a variety of location situations. Experience in the selection/procurement of appropriate machinery for use on U.S. Government-owned property. Experience in the coordination, design, procurement and installation of floral designs and themed decoration for official events. Must have excellent proven experience in all aspects of horticultural management, ground maintenance, planning & budgeting.

In addition, a minimum of 1 year’s supervisory experience.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.

Education

Formal Horticultural qualification: HND level or Degree in Horticulture or Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Master of Horticulture, or RHS Diploma in Horticulture or Kew Diploma or an equivalent qualification.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Education.

OPTION 2

Experience

A minimum of 8 years’ experience in designing, planning and management of large gardens over ten acres in size. Experience in in-house floral design & decoration. Experience of the cyclical maintenance of a high-quality garden open to the public, a garden with specialist historic and botanic plant collections. Experience in the care, cultivation and conservation of landscape detail for external and internal landscapes with a wide variety of flora. Experienced with the procurement of nursery stock for selection and quality and species selection for a variety of location situations. Experience in the selection/procurement of appropriate machinery for use on U.S. Government-owned property. Experience in the coordination, design, procurement and installation of floral designs and themed decoration for official events. Must have excellent proven experience in all aspects of horticultural management, ground maintenance, planning & budgeting.

In addition, a minimum of 4 years’ supervisory experience.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.

Education

Secondary school or an equivalent academic education is required.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Education.

Language

Must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English (this may be tested).

Please address this language requirement in your ERA application.

Skills & Abilities

Must hold a current UK driver’s license, or an equivalent license (EU-issued license).

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.