At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maintain and enhance the beauty of Stanley Park.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in Blackpool's historic Grade II-listed park.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days leave, flexible hours, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a rewarding role with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a beloved community space while developing your horticultural skills.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualification and experience in managing grounds maintenance.
The predicted salary is between 35231 - 35231 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 39 hours per week
Salary: Grade 5 £35,231 per annum
Closing Date: 2nd June 206 12.00 Noon
Are you an experienced horticultural professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for maintaining high-quality parks and green spaces? We are looking for a Head Gardener to lead horticultural management and day-to-day grounds maintenance at Stanley Park, Blackpool’s Grade II-listed park. This is an exciting opportunity to take responsibility for one of the town’s most valued public spaces, ensuring it remains attractive, safe, well‑maintained, and welcoming to residents, visitors, and community groups.
About the role:
As Head Gardener, you will supervise and support a skilled team of gardeners and grounds staff, planning daily, seasonal and reactive works across the park. You will ensure that horticultural standards are maintained in line with industry best practice and RHS standards, while helping to deliver a high‑quality park facility for public enjoyment. You will work closely with internal teams, elected members, volunteers, Friends Groups, community groups, contractors and external providers to support the successful operation and ongoing presentation of Stanley Park.
About you:
We are looking for someone with:
- A formal horticultural qualification to HND, ND or RHS Level 3 standard
- A full UK driving licence
- Extensive knowledge of horticultural best practice
- Strong knowledge of plants, shrubs, grass, trees and common plant diseases
- Good understanding of health and safety requirements and their practical application
- Experience supervising or managing within a horticultural, parks, estates or grounds maintenance environment
- Practical experience using vehicles, plant, machinery and grounds maintenance tools
- Excellent communication, organisation and problem‑solving skills
- The ability to work under pressure, prioritise workloads and respond to changing seasonal demands
Desirable qualifications include IOSH Health & Safety, PA1/PA6 pesticide certification, First Aid at Work, IT skills and membership of a relevant industry body such as RHS, BIGGA, IOG or the Arboricultural Association.
Benefits Include:
- Employee discounts with various partners
- 26 days annual leave plus 8 Bank Holidays
- Flexible variations of working pattern to suit seasonal variations and home life
- Company events
- Clevr Money (Savings and Loans) options
- Employee assistance programme
- Leisure scheme via council leisure centres
- Childcare voucher scheme
- Occupational health support
- Free independent, face‑to‑face counselling and helpline
- Physiotherapy
This is a rewarding opportunity to play a key role in the care, presentation and ongoing success of one of Blackpool’s most important green spaces. You will lead a dedicated team, work with a range of community stakeholders, and help ensure Stanley Park continues to be enjoyed by residents and visitors year‑round.
Head Gardener employer: ENVECO
As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values the contributions of every team member. Working as the Head Gardener at Stanley Park in Blackpool offers not only a competitive salary and generous leave but also unique opportunities for professional growth and community engagement, ensuring that you play a vital role in maintaining one of the town's cherished green spaces. With access to employee discounts, flexible working patterns, and comprehensive health support, we are committed to your well-being and career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow horticulturalists, join local gardening groups, and attend industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best gardening projects, including before-and-after photos of spaces you've transformed. This visual evidence can really make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the park and its history. Knowing about Stanley Park’s unique features and challenges will show your passion and commitment to maintaining its beauty and safety.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture:When writing your application, let your love for gardening and green spaces shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your horticultural knowledge and leadership skills, especially in maintaining parks or gardens.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant qualifications, like your horticultural certifications, and any experience you have with managing teams or projects in a park setting.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Stanley Park.
How to prepare for a job interview at ENVECO
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge, especially regarding plants, shrubs, and common diseases. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied best practices in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and passion for maintaining high-quality green spaces.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Gardener, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully supervised or managed teams in the past. Highlight your communication and problem-solving skills, as these are crucial for working with both staff and community groups.
✨Understand Health and Safety
Familiarise yourself with health and safety requirements relevant to horticulture. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented safety measures in your previous roles, as this demonstrates your commitment to maintaining a safe environment for both staff and visitors.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about ways you've engaged with community groups or stakeholders in the past. Share your ideas on how to enhance community involvement in Stanley Park, as this shows your dedication to making the park a welcoming space for everyone.
