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- Tasks: Assist in managing and developing stunning gardens at Dumfries House.
- Company: Join The King's Foundation, dedicated to heritage-led regeneration and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with potential onsite accommodation and a vibrant work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, making a real impact on local heritage and community enjoyment.
- Qualifications: Must have 8+ years of horticultural experience and relevant qualifications.
- Other info: Work hours are 39 per week, with occasional weekend shifts.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants
The King\’s Foundation provided pay range
This range is provided by The King\’s Foundation. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Dumfries House Estate and Gardens
The Great Steward of Scotland’s Dumfries House Trust was created by His Royal Highness The King Charles III, Duke of Rothesay in 2007 with the aim of maintaining, managing and developing Dumfries House and estate as a visitor attraction and also to use it as a catalyst for heritage-led regeneration.
Since 2007 the programme of works has gone through the full spectrum of conservation, restoration and new builds within the estate. The landscape restoration process has included the creation of a new 10-acre Arboretum, the full restoration of the 5-acre Walled Garden, various yew mazes, 15-acres of developing woodland gardens, rose parterres, many avenues of trees and a variety of gardens set around the numerous restored built structures across 600-acres of the 2,000-acre estate.
In 2018 The Great Steward of Scotland’s Dumfries House Trust merged with other Prince’s Charities to become The Prince’s Foundation and subsequently the King’s Foundation with the registered office being Dumfries House.
The Role:
The Assistant Head Gardener’s role will be to work closely with the Head of Horticulture to manage, maintain and further develop the gardens and wider estate at Dumfries House. The role will help to ensure the gardens are presented to a high standard in line with The King’s Foundation’s vision for the estate and to enable the local community and visitors from further afield to enjoy the beautiful grounds. The role will include a level of office work, but it is expected that the Assistant Head Gardener will be largely hands-on.
Key Tasks
Specific Duties will include:
- To work closely with the Head of Horticulture on the day-to-day aspects of garden presentation, cyclic maintenance and on-going developments, delivering exemplary standards across the gardens at the King’s Foundation.
- To work with other teams ensuring a coordinated approach for all site-based garden and landscape projects and activities at the King’s Foundation.
- Assist with the management, training and development of the garden team, trainee gardeners and volunteers.
- In conjunction with the Head of Horticulture, assist with the selection and appointment of garden staff, trainees and volunteers. Ensure correct introduction to the property is completed with all new personnel.
- Lead, manage and motivate gardeners to deliver objectives and projects as agreed with the Head of Horticulture.
- To deputise for the Head of Horticulture in their absence.
- Assist the Head of Horticulture in the review and preparation of the annual garden budget.
- To provide up to date information in support of the procuring of plants, materials, tools and equipment for the garden and wider estate.
- Assist and where requested take a lead on garden compliance; ensuring the team abide by safe working practices, review and carry out risk or COSHH assessments and keep abreast of up-to-date health and safety legislation.
- Ensure the safe use, maintenance and storage of all machinery, equipment and hand-tools, advising on suitable replacement in line with budgets.
- Maintain electronic and manual garden records, including planting plans, plant lists, equipment lists, tools, etc.
- Be prepared and willing to undertake garden-based tours and talks as well as specialist talks as and when requested.
- Assist with the interpretation and marketing of the garden and wider estate.
- To carry out such other relevant duties as may be required.
Person Specification
The essential skills, knowledge and experience required are:
- Highly motivated person with high level of all-round practical horticultural skills and experience relevant to Dumfries House. Good problem solver. A minimum of eight years of relevant horticultural practical experience.
- Relevant horticultural qualifications to that of the role of an Assistant Head Gardener.
- Proven experience of working in a varied garden environment with high standards of presentation.
- Experience of the use of a wide range of garden equipment and machinery including the management and maintenance thereof.
- Good plant knowledge and experience of plant record keeping with the ability to maintain accurate records.
- Good up to date knowledge of health, safety and the risk management of gardens for both staff and visitors.
- Experience of staff supervision, with the ability to lead, train and motivate staff, trainees, work experience placements and volunteers.
- Excellent communicator and good interpersonal and written communication skills, including working knowledge of basic MS Word, MS Excel and MS Outlook.
- Current and full UK driving licence.
- Experience in organic gardening.
Other:
- The post will be based at Dumfries House, Cumnock, KA18 2NJ with the requirement to travel on occasion to other KF sites.
- Your working hours will be 39 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Occasional weekend working as and when required.
- You must have the legal right to work in the UK.
- A three-bedroom cottage is available for onsite accommodation.
- Applications: Please submit a cover letter and CV (please note one A4 page maximum each for CV and letter) to Gordon Watson, email address: – hr.recruitment@kings-foundation.org and request an application form.
- Closing date for applications: Sunday 31st of August 2025
Seniority level
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Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
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Employment type
Full-time
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Industries
Education and Trusts and Estates
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Assistant Head Gardener employer: The King's Foundation
Contact Detail:
The King's Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural practices and standards at Dumfries House. Research their gardens, plant varieties, and any recent projects to demonstrate your knowledge and passion during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of The King's Foundation. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which you can leverage in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership and training experiences in detail. Since the role involves managing a team, showcasing your ability to motivate and develop others will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to share examples of your problem-solving skills in a gardening context. Highlighting how you've tackled challenges in previous roles will show your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Assistant Head Gardener.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the Assistant Head Gardener position. Highlight your relevant horticultural experience, leadership skills, and any specific projects that align with the goals of The King's Foundation.
Showcase Your Experience: In your CV, emphasise your practical horticultural skills and any experience you have in managing teams or projects. Include specific examples of gardens you've worked on and the standards you've maintained.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your horticultural qualifications and any certifications that are pertinent to the role. This will help demonstrate your suitability for the position and your commitment to the field.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread both your cover letter and CV. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at The King's Foundation
✨Show Your Passion for Horticulture
Make sure to express your genuine love for gardening and horticulture during the interview. Share specific experiences that highlight your dedication, such as projects you've worked on or plants you've cultivated.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Provide examples of how you've motivated and trained staff or volunteers in previous roles, showcasing your ability to lead effectively.
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss various plant species, their care requirements, and any experience you have with organic gardening, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Health and Safety Regulations
Understanding health and safety practices is essential for this position. Be prepared to talk about your experience with risk assessments and safe working practices in a garden environment, demonstrating your commitment to safety.
