Senior Gardener in Frome

Raby Castle near Staindrop has been the home of the Vane family for generations and is open to visitors. Lord and Lady Barnard have developed the Castle and grounds extensively, to become one of the foremost visitor attractions in the country.

The wider Raby Estate comprises substantial landholdings and trading operations including in-house farms, let farms and residential property, along with sporting enterprises across Estates in Co Durham and Shropshire. We also have visitor attractions at Raby Castle, High Force Hotel and Waterfall in Upper Teesdale and The Wrekin in Shropshire.

This is a rare opportunity for a talented individual to join the team caring for the gardens at Raby Castle, recently reimagined by renowned garden designers Luciano Giubbilei and Alistair Baldwin. To ensure the garden is enjoyed at its very best throughout the year, we are seeking to recruit an experienced gardener to help the team as they look to not only maintain the garden to the highest standard but further enhance its appeal to the huge numbers of visitors it attracts.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supported by the Assistant Head Gardeners, you will join a small team dedicated to the care and development of the five acre Walled Garden and the wider landscape.
• You will be responsible for all aspects of horticulture including maintenance of the new planting schemes, care of the existing historic trees and climbers and propagation of new stock for our plant sales area.
• You will be dynamic, and willing to share your knowledge to develop our team, as well as being open to learning new skills.
• You will work alongside volunteers as we seek to grow our team, to fulfil the potential of this wonderful space.
• You will contribute to vegetable and flower production for use across the estate.
• You will help maintain our beautiful new greenhouse and ensure it is always presented to the highest standard.
• You will assist your colleagues in other areas of the garden at times - the entire site extends to approximately 24 acres.
• You will have an eye for detail and awareness of sustainable practice in the garden.
• You will assist in the delivery of guided tours, and bespoke events to showcase the garden to a wide audience.
• You will support the wider Leisure and Tourism team, particularly with our busy events programme.

What We Need To See

• We are looking for someone who has previous experience in a significant role within a garden open to the public. Confidence in hosting guided tours is required.
• You should have appropriate horticultural experience, great plant knowledge and an awareness of contemporary styles as well as historic.
• You will have a flexible approach to duties, work well within a team and independently, be organised and an effective communicator.
• We are looking for someone who can show honesty, integrity, enthusiasm and capacity for hard work and attention to detail with a cheerful approach and ‘can do’ problem solving attitude.
• You must have the confidence and skills to cover for the Assistant Head gardener in his/her absence.

What We Have To Offer

• Attractive salary
• 33 days holiday, including statutory holidays
• Group Pension Scheme with a 7.7% employer contribution with the option to salary sacrifice
• Group Life Insurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme
• Free on-site car parking
• Discounts at Raby retail and food outlets
• Discounts for stays at Raby’s High Force Hotel
• Complimentary access to Raby Castle and High Force leisure attractions
• A behind-the-scenes tour of Raby Castle
• Invitations to Raby Estate social events throughout the year
• A chance to work in one of the most unique and beautiful venues in the region.
• A role that is dynamic, engaging, and never predictable—no two days will be the same!
• A supportive and enthusiastic team that makes every workday enjoyable.

How To Apply

If you feel you have the necessary skills, experience, and personality to undertake this role, please apply below.