At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to maintain and develop stunning historic gardens.
- Company: Levens Hall, a top attraction in the beautiful Lake District.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, on-site accommodation, free food, and parking.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for media exposure and career growth in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Join a legacy of gardening excellence and make your mark on history.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and a hands-on approach; topiary experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Overview
Levens Hall and Gardens are seeking a Head Gardener to replace the current Head Gardener who will retire during 2026. Located at the gateway to the Lake District, Levens Hall is one of Cumbria’s most popular attractions, welcoming up to 50,000 visitors per year. The garden, laid out in 1694, features some of the oldest and most striking topiary in the world and is often covered in the national press and television programmes. The 10 acre garden also includes herbaceous borders, wall borders, a fountain garden, orchard, nuttery, vegetables, herbs, a wilderness, and more.
Our current Head Gardener will retire in 2026 after 40 years in the role. We are looking for a successor to lead a small team of gardeners and volunteers in maintaining and developing this significant garden for future decades. The candidate will be a skilled professional with proven leadership capability and a hands-on approach. Experience with topiary will be beneficial, and we seek someone with a vision for the future and the enthusiasm to develop the garden further. A competitive salary is offered, with on-site accommodation provided.
Responsibilities
- Maintaining and developing the historic gardens of Levens Hall to an agreed plan with the proprietor.
- Maintaining the wider grounds at Levens Hall.
- Assisting with the upkeep of Levens Deer Park where required.
- Obtaining the necessary goods and services to maintain and develop the gardens at the most competitive rates.
- Reviewing the requirements for machinery and equipment.
- Supervising the gardening team, including a number of volunteer gardeners.
- Assessing the training needs and requirements of members of the gardening team to ensure necessary skills are maintained and developed.
- Taking part in press interviews, television programmes and articles, and any filming activities in connection with Levens Hall and Gardens.
Qualifications / Experience
- Proven leadership capability with a hands-on approach.
- Experience with topiary is a benefit.
- A vision for the future and enthusiasm to develop the garden further.
Job Details & Benefits
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- On-site accommodation is included
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please send your CV to;
Open for Christmas at Levens 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, & 21 December. Closed until Christmas opening times starting 5th December.
Gardens: 10:00 – 17:00 (Last entry 16:00). The House: 11:00 – 15:30 (Last entry 15:00).
Please note Levens Kitchen, Levens Bakery and the Gift Shop are open 7 days a week but will close from 01 January 2026 until 15 January 2026.
Gift Shop is open 7 days a week.
Head Gardener employer: Levens Hall
Levens Hall and Gardens is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the maintenance and development of one of Cumbria's most cherished attractions. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the chance to work alongside a dedicated team in a stunning location, while enjoying benefits such as on-site accommodation and competitive pay. Join us in preserving the beauty of our historic gardens and making a lasting impact for future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Levens Hall.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Levens Hall.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Levens Hall; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Levens Hall.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Head Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Levens Hall is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Levens Hall a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Levens Hall
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Levens Hall might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
