Blair Castle Head Gardener Job Description

Blair Castle Head Gardener Job Description

Atholl Estates is an exceptional destination offering a mix of high quality and authentic visitor experiences that include Blair Castle and Gardens and a range of outdoor activities, all amid spectacular scenery and a variety of accommodation options. Our 2015 Forward Plan illustrates the range of our enterprises and our immediate plans for them.

We currently attract 140,000 paying visitors and over 70,000 bed night guests each year. The castle and gardens are five star graded by Visit Scotland and a popular venue for weddings and private functions. The caravan park is four star graded and currently recognized by the AA as its premier accredited park in Scotland.

We are looking for a head gardener to join our team, working closely with the estate’s Head Trustee who directs policy and long term planning for the gardens and the General Manager who has over-all responsibility for the management of our tourism enterprises.

Job Specification:

The Head Gardener has responsibility for the maintenance and development of the Royal Horticultural Society partner garden and grounds at Blair Castle including Hercules Garden, Diana’s Grove and Blair Castle Caravan Park. The role is for a working gardener managing, co-ordinating and coaching a team of three full time and one part time gardeners. Horticulture and groundscare must be carried out to the highest standard both professionally and in daily interaction with the visitor. The successful candidate will need the experience to manage the team to meet these high standards while being able to cope under pressure, prioritizing projects and tasks.

Main Duties:

·  Manage the gardening team to consistently present an attractive and well maintained garden through appropriate and competent horticultural practice and well organised day to day work planning.

·  Maintain the castle grounds and the caravan park grounds in a tidy and managed condition at all times.

·  To work with the wider estate for two or three public events a year.

·  Manage and maintain the plant collection to the highest standard.

·  Work closely with the Head Trustee and General Manager to support the garden’s development, including the choice of new plantings.

·  To lead on internal and external training programmes for staff development and work experience placements.

·  To identify training needs within the team through observation and consultation and develop training solutions to bridge the skill gap.

·  Co-ordinate an efficient use of machinery, skills and time.

·  To work to the highest of standards paying particular attention to detail appropriate to the different areas of garden or woodland.

·  Project and promote a positive image of the gardens and grounds and be considerate to the visitor at all times.

·  Manage annual cost lines to budget.

·  To be fully aware and conversant with all aspects of Health and Safety and the promotion of working methods that protect the team and visitors. Ensure that all legislation is met and training records are maintained to demonstrate achievements and due diligence.

·  Competent in the effective use and maintenance of all garden machinery and care that they are used in line with current Health and Safety legislation, also used with consideration to visitors.

·  To be flexible in approach to working times allowing tasks to be carried out prior to, and after normal working hours and weekends if required. Typically working 5 days out of 7.

·  To comply with the estate’s policies and procedures including security, health and safety, recruitment and selection, attendance management and equal opportunities.

·  Respect the gardens operate with a ‘light touch’ approach to chemicals and maximum use is made of all composting techniques.

Qualities, skills and experience:

·  A minimum of 5 years relevant experience within the horticultural industry.

·  Proven track record of managing people, both developing them and confronting them.

·  A good knowledge of plants and horticulture techniques.

·  HND in amenity horticulture or substantial, relevant experience within the profession.

·  PA1 & PA6.

·  Chainsaw certificate.

·  First aid at work.

·  Experience of teaching / training or instructing.

·  Full driving licence.

Personal attributes

·  A commitment to the highest level of visitor service.

·  Able to influence and motivate colleagues and staff and confront poor performance.

·  Open and outgoing personality.

·  Hands on team player with flexible work attitude.

·  Effective communicator at a range of levels, able to adapt style to meet individual needs.

·  Able to work well with changing priorities and prioritise workload of self and others.

Terms and Conditions

·  Competitive remuneration package (discussed with short listed candidates).

·  Professional membership and reasonable continuous professional development costs paid.

·  A head gardener’s house is available.

·  Attractive defined contribution company pension scheme.