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For Companies 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for media exposure and career growth in a vibrant environment.
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.
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Head Gardener employer: Levens Hall
Contact Detail:
Levens Hall Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the garden! Before your interview, take a stroll through Levens Hall and Gardens. Familiarise yourself with the layout, the topiary, and any unique features. This will not only impress the interviewers but also help you articulate your vision for the garden.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Whether it’s managing volunteers or overseeing projects, we want to hear about your hands-on approach and how you inspire others.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your ideas to the table! Think about how you can develop the garden further and be prepared to discuss your vision during the interview. We love enthusiasm and creativity, so don’t hold back on sharing your innovative plans!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Levens Hall. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about the role at Levens Hall. We want to see your enthusiasm for maintaining and developing beautiful gardens.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Gardener, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Tell us about times you've successfully managed a team or project, and how you inspire others to achieve their best.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your past jobs; dive into the details! If you have experience with topiary or any specific gardening techniques, mention them. We’re looking for someone with a clear vision for the future of our gardens, so share your ideas!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Levens Hall
✨Know Your Garden History
Familiarise yourself with the history of Levens Hall and its gardens. Understand the significance of the topiary and other features. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in previous roles. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you've developed team members' skills. This is crucial for demonstrating that you're the right fit for leading the gardening team.
✨Have a Vision for the Future
Think about innovative ideas you could bring to the garden. Be ready to discuss your vision for maintaining and developing the gardens at Levens Hall. This will show your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Practice for Media Engagement
Since the role involves press interviews and possibly TV appearances, practice speaking about your gardening philosophy and experiences. Being comfortable in front of the camera will set you apart as a confident candidate.
