Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create stunning gardens and maintain beautiful grounds.
- Company: St Albans School, renowned for academic excellence and a supportive environment.
- Benefits: 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday, with a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a vibrant school community while enjoying nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening, team leadership, and relevant horticultural certifications required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
St Albans School is a leading independent day school with an outstanding reputation for academic excellence. We are looking to recruit a Head Gardener to join our established Maintenance team. Leading and supervising a team of two gardeners, the Head Gardener is responsible for the preparation and implementation of annual horticultural works, delivering high quality seasonal gardens and grounds.
Duties include numerous gardening activities to maintain the landscaping, hedges, shrubs, lawns and planters. Previous gardener/ground maintenance experience with responsibility for a large site is essential along with the ability to demonstrate a wide range of horticultural skills and knowledge.
The successful candidate will hold NPTC level PA1 and PA6a certificates, a current driving licence with category C1 or equivalent and ideally an NVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture or equivalent. Experience of supervising and leading a team would be advantageous.
The position is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The gardening team’s workload is heavily reliant on the weather and so the ability to deal with a constantly varying workload is essential, as is a flexible and adaptable approach.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must therefore be willing to undergo child protection screening and safer recruitment checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
St Albans School is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and the creation of an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment selections are made according to suitability for the post, irrespective of background or protected characteristic. The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.
Head Gardener in St Albans employer: The Independent Schools Council
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St Albans School and its grounds. Understanding their values and what they’re looking for in a Head Gardener will help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, demonstrate your horticultural knowledge and experience. Bring examples of past projects or challenges you've tackled to the table – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a chat about teamwork! Since you’ll be leading a couple of gardeners, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate your team. Share stories that highlight your supervisory experience.
✨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 with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Horticultural Skills: Make sure to highlight your gardening experience and any relevant qualifications, like your NPTC certificates. We want to see how your skills can help us maintain our beautiful grounds!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head Gardener role. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience: Since you'll be leading a small team, it’s important to showcase any previous supervisory roles you've had. Tell us about your leadership style and how you motivate others to achieve great results.
Apply Early!: We might fill the position before the closing date, so don’t wait around! Get your application in through our website as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, gardening techniques, and seasonal maintenance tasks. Showing that you understand the nuances of landscaping will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be supervising a team, prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Talk about how you motivate others, delegate tasks, and handle challenges. This will demonstrate your capability to manage the gardening team effectively.
✨Be Weather-Wise
Given the role's reliance on weather conditions, come prepared to discuss how you adapt your plans based on changing weather. Share any experiences where you had to pivot your gardening strategies due to unexpected weather changes.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Familiarise yourself with child protection policies and safety regulations relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you ensure a safe working environment for your team and the importance of compliance in your gardening practices.
