Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a beautiful eight-acre garden while supporting volunteers and engaging with the community.
- Company: Amisfield, a unique visitor attraction and therapeutic gardening resource in East Lothian.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, opportunity for creativity, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Rolling annual contract with potential for job share; perfect for those who love nature and community.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on visitors' wellbeing while nurturing your passion for horticulture.
- Qualifications: RHS Level 3 or equivalent experience in garden management and volunteer supervision.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
37.5 hours per week: Sun–Thu (or some variant thereof) April–Sept and (Mon–Fri) Oct–March. Amisfield’s eight-acre walled garden just outside Haddington in East Lothian is unique in being a visitor attraction, a volunteer project and a therapeutic gardening resource. We are seeking a Garden Manager to lead in ensuring the garden is a well‑maintained, safe, secure, and beautiful year‑round space which enhances the wellbeing of visitors and volunteers.
This role, looking after the garden and the volunteers, who include some with vulnerabilities, requires a blend of:
- Horticultural expertise
- Personal qualities of initiative, patience and tolerance, understanding and authority
- Organisational ability to help deliver community events
- Commercial awareness to help ensure financial viability
As the garden is open seven days a week from April to September, you will work a five‑day shift pattern working with the Assistant Garden Manager to ensure at least one of you is in the garden each day, including weekends, during those months. Winter months will be a normal Mon‑Friday, with the possibility of one day working from home. You will manage your working hours in a flexible, responsible way, to meet the seasonality of the demands on your time – you are likely to work more hours during the growing season with time off in lieu during the winter months. You will report to the Chair of the Board of Trustees and will be asked to attend monthly evening board meetings.
We’re looking for someone who thrives in both collaborative and independent work settings - there are days when you will be working alone; with wide knowledge of plants and horticultural principles; and confident in dealing with a diverse range of people of all ages and abilities. The post will be on a rolling annual contract. The intention is to offer continuity of employment subject to satisfactory performance and the Trust’s financial position. A job share might be considered, but is not the preferred option.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership: Manage all horticultural aspects of the Garden:
- Produce the annual planting plan
- Manage propagation
- Source materials (seeds, plants, compost, etc.)
- Plan, organise and participate in the work required to deliver those plans
- Support the volunteers to maintain and enhance the garden in line with those plans and designs
- Manage and maintain all gardening equipment
Requirements
- RHS Level 3 or equivalent experience in garden management
- Reliability and confidence to manage a large public garden independently
- Proven track record in working with and managing volunteers
- Comfortable with lone working and making autonomous decisions in a public‑facing environment (e.g., closing the garden due to high winds) while working alone
- IT literacy and familiarity with social media
- Current First Aid qualification or a commitment to obtain one immediately
- PVG clearance
How to apply
Please send a CV and accompanying letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) outlining how you meet the job requirements to chair@amisfield.org.uk.
Garden Manager employer: Trellis Scotland
Contact Detail:
Trellis Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the garden and its community! Before your interview, take a stroll around Amisfield’s walled garden. Familiarise yourself with the layout, the plants, and even chat with some volunteers if you can. This shows initiative and genuine interest, which we love to see!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your horticultural expertise! Be ready to discuss your past experiences managing gardens or working with volunteers. We want to hear about your planting plans and how you've engaged with diverse groups. Bring examples that highlight your leadership skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios where you had to make tough decisions while working alone or managing a team. We’re looking for someone who can handle challenges with confidence, so practice your responses to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and familiar with social media, which is a bonus in today’s job market. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Garden Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your horticultural expertise and how you've made a difference in previous roles. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating beautiful spaces.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Garden Manager role. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the job.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised as we review applications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trellis Scotland
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, gardening techniques, and how you would manage the garden's annual planting plan. This shows your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or volunteers in the past. Highlight your ability to lead, support, and motivate others, especially in a garden setting. This will demonstrate that you're the right fit for managing both the garden and its volunteers.
✨Understand Community Engagement
Familiarise yourself with Amisfield’s community involvement and visitor engagement strategies. Think about how you can enhance these efforts and be prepared to share your ideas during the interview. This shows that you’re not just focused on the garden but also on its role within the community.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect situational questions about managing the garden independently, especially during solo shifts. Prepare to discuss how you would handle challenges like adverse weather conditions or volunteer management. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.