At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to maintain and enhance the beauty of Stanley Park.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in one of Blackpool's most valued public spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 26 days leave, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with community groups.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the community by caring for a historic park.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualification and strong leadership skills required.
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:
- 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 — Lead Public Park Grounds Team (Flexible Hours) employer: ENVECO
Join us as the Head Gardener at Stanley Park, where you will lead a passionate team dedicated to maintaining one of Blackpool's treasured green spaces. We offer a supportive work culture with flexible hours, generous annual leave, and numerous employee benefits, including discounts, health support, and opportunities for professional growth. This role not only allows you to showcase your horticultural expertise but also enables you to engage with the community, making a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and visitors alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener — Lead Public Park Grounds Team (Flexible Hours)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow horticulturalists, join local gardening groups, or attend community 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 previous work in horticulture. Include photos of gardens you've designed or maintained, and any projects that highlight your leadership abilities. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the park and its current projects. Familiarise yourself with their horticultural practices and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to lead at Stanley Park!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener — Lead Public Park Grounds Team (Flexible Hours)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture:When writing your application, let your love for plants and green spaces shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your horticultural knowledge and leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring Stanley Park to life!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant qualifications and experiences that align with the role of Head Gardener. We’re looking for someone who fits right in with our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to horticulture. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 industry best practices and how you’ve applied them in previous roles. This will show your passion and expertise in maintaining high-quality green spaces.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a horticultural setting. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to achieve goals. This will demonstrate your ability to supervise and support staff effectively.
✨Understand the Community Impact
Familiarise yourself with Stanley Park and its significance to the community. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with local groups and stakeholders to enhance the park's appeal. Showing that you care about the community will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Health and Safety Know-How
Make sure you can talk confidently about health and safety regulations relevant to grounds maintenance. Highlight any certifications you have, like IOSH or First Aid, and be ready to explain how you’ve implemented safety measures in past roles.
