Derbyshire County Council
Head Landscape Operative (Gardener)
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Closing date: 09 August 2026
Head Gardener - Elvaston Castle Country Park
Grade 8 | Countryside Service | Derbyshire County Council
Lead the future of a nationally significant Registered Park & Gardens
This is a rare opportunity to take on the lead horticultural role at Elvaston Castle Country Park, a nationally important historic estate with stunning Victorian gardens, significant heritage features and a special place in the hearts of local communities.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Gardener to lead the care, restoration and development of the park's Grade II listed gardens and grounds. This is a role where you'll directly influence how one of Derbyshire's most iconic destinations looks, feels and evolves over the coming years.
It is an exciting time to join Elvaston. As the estate enters a new chapter of investment, restoration and long-term planning, you'll play a key role in shaping its future while protecting the unique character and heritage that makes it so special.
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About The Role
As Head Gardener, you will lead the horticultural maintenance and enhancement of Elvaston's gardens and landscape, ensuring they continue to provide an exceptional experience for visitors while supporting biodiversity and conserving the site's historic significance.
You'll manage and inspire a dedicated gardening team, oversee contractors and volunteers, and work closely with colleagues, community partners and stakeholders who share a passion for Elvaston's future.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong horticultural expertise, practical problem-solving and the ability to turn ambitious plans into visible results on the ground.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Lead the care and development of an important historic landscape.
- Shape horticultural standards and restoration programmes.
- Develop and support a skilled gardening team.
- Work alongside volunteers, community groups and partners.
- Contribute to visitor engagement, events and interpretation.
- Help deliver environmental, heritage and wellbeing benefits for thousands of visitors every year.
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About You
You will be an experienced horticultural professional with a proven ability to maintain and develop high-quality gardens, parks or landscapes.
You'll bring:
- Strong practical horticultural knowledge and experience.
- Experience of leading, motivating and developing teams.
- A commitment to high standards and attention to detail.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and partners.
- A genuine passion for gardens, landscapes, heritage and nature.
Most importantly, you'll share our ambition to elevate Elvaston as one of the finest historic country parks in the region.
Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 17th August 2026
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