Gardener

Location: Newhailes House & Gardens, Musselburgh, EH21 6RY

Type of Contract: Fixed-Term, 5 Years Contract. Full-Time, 40 Hours Per Week.

Job Purpose

This job exists to ensure that the garden, grounds and policies across the Property are managed and maintained as an internationally recognised garden of outstanding horticultural importance, contributing to the property’s overall conservation and development, and its enjoyment by visitors and supporters.

Key Responsibilities And Accountabilities

• Undertake skilled practical maintenance of the garden and estate e.g., managing trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, and bulbs; turf care; pest/disease/weed control; staking, plant nutrition, composting and soil improvement to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by visitors
• Contribute to the management, conservation, and development of the garden and estate through plant propagation, cultivation, production of seed, sustainable growing practices and the inputting of appropriate plant records on IRIS database and labelling to ensure
• Design and implement planting enhancements, including borders and seasonal displays, contributing to structural planting and year-round interest
• Manage specialist Plant collections, including roses and fruit trees, through appropriate pruning, training, feeding and monitoring of plant health
• Monitor tree health and conduct tree inspection and arboricultural tasks in line with certification and safety procedures
• Operate and maintain horticultural machinery including tractors, ride-on mowers, strimmers and chainsaws in accordance with Trust Health & Safety procedures, completing relevant records where required
• Support growing systems and environmentally responsible pest, disease and weed management practices
• Contribute to operational work planning by identifying priorities, proposing improvements and working independently when required
• Supervise and support volunteers, providing instruction and ensuring safe and effective task delivery
• Demonstrate ability to work individually or as part of a team across a wide range of activities across the garden & estate
• Assist with interpretation and visitor engagement activities, including guided tours and workshops, promoting understanding of the garden and the work of the Trust
• Ensure compliance with Trust Health, Safety and Environmental policies and procedures, including timely completion of HAVS, spraying records and attendance of annual health monitoring
• Foster positive relationships with visitors, local communities and other organisations and promote the work of the Trust when & where appropriate
• Undertake such other reasonable duties as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth running of the property as required by the Operation Manager / Property Management team