Assistant Head Gardener - Hampton Court Palace
We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we're bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share.
Departments
Gardens & Estates
Home Palace
Hampton Court Palace
Status
Established/Permanent
Salary
PR7.2 - £41,461
Salary Rate
Per Annum
Days/Hours of work
Established full-time 36 hours per week, working 5 days out of 7 on a rota including some weekends and bank holidays and with occasional flexible start and finish times to support functions, events or contractors.
About the role and about you
We currently have a new exciting opportunity to join our Gardens & Estates Team. This new hands on role is key in delivering the exciting new planting scheme for The Great Fountain Garden designed with Ann-Marie Powell as well as leading three teams supported by groups of volunteers to present the Gardens to the highest possible standard and deputising for the Head Gardener.
Your role will be to assist the Head Gardener in coordinating and overseeing the high standards of horticultural maintenance regimes taking place in the Gardens, line managing Team Leaders and the day to day work of gardeners and volunteers, as well as developing and delivering other large scale projects. An important aspect of the job is ensuring changes support the Sustainability Action Plan and also deliver against the strategic direction of being a "Charity for Everyone". Strong hands on leadership skills are essential to cultivate a high-performing team who are both supported and inspired.
Applicants should have a Horticultural qualification of RHS Level 3 or equivalent and significant experience working at a senior level in a garden. Exceptional plant knowledge and of managing permanent landscape planting as well as operating garden machinery and equipment. A full driving licence is essential.
You should also have excellent communication skills in written and spoken English, and willingness to take part in social media and public engagement. Proven leadership skills are required to motivate a team and you should possess good general IT skills and use of MS tools such as PowerPoint and Word.
We have adopted a hybrid model of part working from home and part working from site, we are open to discussing what best works for individuals and their work life balance whilst also delivering the business requirements.
Closing date: Monday 25th August 2025, 23:55pm
Additional Information
Historic Royal Palaces is an equal opportunities employer and truly values a diverse workforce. Applications are welcome from candidates regardless of their background.
We are also committed to high quality Safeguarding practices and to ensure everyone is kept safe in our palaces. We have procedures in place to ensure this commitment is delivered and will deal firmly and swiftly with anyone representing our charity who does not meet our required standards
