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- Tasks: Support the Head Gardener in managing and developing diverse garden areas.
- Company: Join Knepp Castle, a leader in horticulture and ecological rewilding.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential accommodation, and a vibrant team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and engage with nature every day.
- Qualifications: RHS Level 2 or equivalent horticultural experience required.
- Other info: Flexible role with opportunities for public engagement and hands-on gardening.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity to support Knepp’s Head Gardener Charlie Harpur as Deputy of one of the UKs foremost horticultural and ecological endeavours. This role carries significant responsibility to support the Head Gardener who will be leaning heavily on you to support gardens maintenance, management and ongoing development. We are very pleased to offer the full-time role of Deputy Head within the gardens team at Knepp Castle, West Sussex, starting in March 2026.
You will be joining our brilliant team which includes our part-time Deputy Head Gardener with delegated responsibilities including volunteer and student management; blog writing; ornamental, house plants and cut flowers. We are seeking a Deputy Head Gardener to provide the Head Gardener with a high level of support with the day-to-day management of Knepp’s garden areas, including the innovative Rewilded Walled Garden experiment, and to cover for the Head Gardener when required.
The 3500-acre Knepp estate is home to the oldest lowland rewilding project in the UK. Knepp’s small gardens team manages a diverse range of horticultural projects within the estate – from experimental and productive gardens, to formal gardens and public spaces. This includes the 1.3-acre Rewilded Walled Garden – a design masterminded by Tom Stuart-Smith and James Hitchmough – providing habitat for over 1000 different types of plant. This project is a unique experiment in maximising garden biodiversity and will be going into its fifth season in 2026. The gardens team hosts garden tours and workshops weekly throughout the season to both engage and inspire visitors, but also help fund our garden experiment.
We are seeking someone who can be flexible, nature-driven, and hands‑on, as well as supporting the Head Gardener in the management of the team and the ongoing development of the gardens. Tasks within the gardens team are very wide-ranging, and may include orchard and meadow-work, veg‑growing, nursery‑work, topiary, organising houseplants and cut flowers, visitor engagement and education, habitat creation, experimental and general horticulture, in all weathers!
Essential Skills and Experience
- Excellent organisation and communication skills: familiarity with spreadsheets, record‑keeping and work planning
- A positive attitude to manual working outdoors in all weathers
- Self‑motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Quick learner who is meticulous at carrying out tasks to a high level
- Horticultural qualifications: RHS Level 2 or very similar in Horticulture as a minimum, or proven practical experience
- A strong horticultural knowledge and passion for plants
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience and comfort in public speaking
- Comfortable using a range of tools and machinery
- Can adapt to different situations and bring a positive attitude to problem solving
- Driving license and own vehicle
Salary and Conditions for the Deputy Head Gardener role
£36k per annum 40‑hour week, Monday‑Friday, with some requirement to work weekends, where time off in lieu is provided. The Knepp Estate has a number of residential properties that are rented out and accommodation could be provided (if it becomes available) subject to separate discussion.
Apply
Please follow this link to the Horticulture Week job advert, and follow the application instructions. Please note that we expect a very large number of applications for both roles and will therefore need to be selective in the applications we will engage with. All applications must have the full time right to work in the UK at time of application. Deadline: 23 February 2026.
Knepp is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our team as much as we do in our landscape. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles at Knepp.
Knepp Castle Gardens Team – Deputy Head Gardener employer: Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP
Contact Detail:
Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Knepp Castle Gardens Team – Deputy Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Knepp Castle Gardens team! Research their projects and values, and show genuine interest in their work during your conversations. This will help you stand out and demonstrate that you're not just another applicant.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend gardening events or workshops where you might meet current team members or others in the horticultural community. Building connections can give you insider info and possibly a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions related to horticulture and team management. Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share specific examples of your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Knepp team and contributing to their amazing work.
We think you need these skills to ace Knepp Castle Gardens Team – Deputy Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let your love for plants and gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your horticultural knowledge and enthusiasm. We want to see how you connect with nature!
Be Organised and Clear: Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points for your skills and experiences, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with spreadsheets and record-keeping. We appreciate clarity and organisation!
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to customise your application for the Deputy Head Gardener role. Highlight relevant experiences that align with the job description, especially those related to team management and public engagement. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website as instructed! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Knepp Castle Estate, Knepp Farms LLP
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, gardening techniques, and any innovative projects you've been involved in. This will show your passion for the role and your understanding of Knepp's unique gardening approach.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with the Head Gardener and the rest of the team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you can contribute to a positive team environment.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Knepp values adaptability, so think of instances where you've had to adjust to changing circumstances in your work. Whether it's dealing with unpredictable weather or shifting project priorities, showing that you can handle challenges with a positive attitude will set you apart.
✨Engage with Visitor Experience
Since the gardens team hosts tours and workshops, be ready to discuss your experience with public engagement. Share any past experiences where you've educated or inspired others about gardening, as this will align well with Knepp's mission to engage visitors.
