Thornbury Castle Head Gardener
Location: Thornbury Castle, City of Darebin
Salary: AUD 30,000 - 60,000
Relais & Chateau at Thornbury Castle are seeking a passionate, professional, well-organised and talented Head Gardener for managing and maintaining the listed gardens and grounds to the highest horticultural standards. You will be working in a unique and beautifully restored Castle, creating truly memorable and impressive 5* experiences for our guests.
About Us
Set on 15 acres of beautiful land, Thornbury Castle Hotel is the only Tudor Castle operating as a hotel in England. The Castle has recently completed a multi-million pound refurbishment program bringing back to life the regal grandeur of its past. Located 20 minutes’ drive from Bristol, it offers 26 bedchambers and suites, an award-winning restaurant, bar and two unique meeting and conference spaces. Our company goal is to deliver “refined and personalised hospitality” to enable our hotel to be a place where all guests can relax, enjoy themselves and have a break from normal life. To feel like royalty in a unique place with unique people.
We are looking for a talented, passionate, driven, accountable and experienced Head Gardener. The successful candidate will have great attention to detail, a positive attitude and excellent communication skills. This is an exciting opportunity to be a key part of the hotel’s planned growth over the next few years.
Responsibilities:
* Establish, maintain and manage the historical listed gardens and grounds at the highest standards.
* In charge of the continuous development of the gardens.
* Lead the garden team effectively and professionally and oversee the Gardens volunteer section.
* Manage the day-to-day maintenance of the garden: lawn care, hedge-cutting, tree assessment, pruning, weeding, planting and all associated garden tasks.
* Maintain and develop the kitchen garden and liaise with the Head Chef for seasonal products.
* Take ownership of safe working practices within the estate and work with our risk assessment programme.
* Proactive garden design/upgrade proposals and manage annual budget.
* Practical knowledge of plants, tools, materials and use of general garden machinery.
* To undertake Garden Tours for guests, guiding them through the award-winning historic gardens providing a knowledgeable behind the scenes experience.
* The Head Gardener must hold a recognised qualification, at least Level 4 NVQ equivalent in Horticulture or relevant experience.
* Previous managerial experience in handling efficiently a team.
* PA1 and PA6 spraying certification.
* Chainsaw certification preferred (CS30/31).
Additional Information:
* Salary: £34,493.
* 40 hours, 5 days a week (possible inclusion of weekends).
* An additional share of service charge every month.
* 5 days’ sick pay after 6 months service.
* 28 days holiday including bank holidays.
* An additional paid day off on your birthday.
* Complimentary stay at the Castle after 3 months’ probation successfully passed.
* Training programs (internal and via external professionals) and access to online training facilities.
* Staff and family rates on hotel accommodation and discounts on food and beverage.
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