Garden Manager in Haddington

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.
• Third Party Engagement: Act as the primary interface for third parties, local community groups and the visiting public.
• Day-to-day Management: Take full responsibility for opening and closing the garden, public safety, volunteer supervision, and garden security during solo shifts. Manage the Assistant Garden Manager. Manage a 7‑day rota April to September with the Assistant Garden Manager to ensure all public and volunteer sessions are staffed; and overlap with the AGM one day a week during that period to conduct handovers. Coordinate garden events and open days. Provide ‘on‑call’ support or clear protocols for the AGM when issues arise on their solo days. Ensure all Health and Safety Executive (HSE) lone‑working assessments are updated for a public‑facing environment.

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.