Job Description

We are looking for someone who takes pride in their craft, enjoys mentoring others, and thrives in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same. If you have a strong horticultural background, an eye for detail, and a passion for creating inspiring landscapes, we'd love to hear from you.

The Estates Department is seeking an enthusiastic, experienced, and highly motivated

Head Gardener

to lead the maintenance and development of our beautiful gardens and grounds across four prestigious school sites.

This is a rewarding and varied role that combines hands-on horticultural work with team leadership and creative input. You'll be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the gardens--from design and planting to seasonal maintenance, pest management, and the ongoing enhancement of our outdoor spaces. Working closely with the Estates team and supporting the Grounds Manager, you'll ensure that every area reflects the highest standards of presentation, sustainability, and care.

- Key Responsibilities

Prepare grounds for the planting of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants Carry out a varied range of horticultural operations requiring minimum supervision and using own initiative, such as; weeding, digging, edging, seed sowing, planting, bed preparation, pruning and maintenance of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants Maintain borders, ponds, hedges, fences, walls, paths, roadways and woodlands Carry out horticultural operations on lawns with the use of pedestrian and ride-on equipment to scarify, aerate, top-dress, overseed, lift and lay turf, feed, irrigate and cut Clean drives and pathways of debris, litter picking, clearing snow and applying grit salt as required Safely use, maintain and clean horticultural equipment including hand tools, strimmer's, hedge-cutters, pedestrian and ride on mowers, scarifies, aerators, tractors and any other machinery required to undertake allocated tasks Work in a tidy and safe manner Follow departmental and school policies Periodically assist with non-gardener tasks within the school, e.g. maintain and prepare the sports pitches, grass cutting, line marking and erecting sports equipment Undertake other duties that are required and are commensurate with the grade of the post Lead a team around the schools gardens Assist in the redesign of the schools formal gardens Present the schools gardens and lawns at all times Assist in the teaching and developing of staff and training the apprentices Cover for the Ground Manager in his absence

Person Specification - Essential Skills

Recognisable qualifications Good time management Good interpersonal and communication skills Professional manner and approachable Sound organisational, prioritising and time management skills Excellent attendance and punctuality Excellent attention to detail Tree, shrub and plant identification Ability to identify diseased trees and invasive and non-native plant species Practical experience in maintaining large gardens Spraying certificates PA1, PA6A Good plant ID skills Knowledge and ability of seasonal garden pruning Experience in a range or garden related machines and tools Flexible approach to working hours Full driving licence is required

Person Specification - Desirable Skills

Previous experience of working in a school is not required but would be advantageous. However, lack of experience should not discourage good applicants from applying for the position The successful applicant will need to demonstrate that they have the appropriate NVQ level 3 qualification in horticulture (or equivalent qualification),as well as previous experience in maintaining large or historical gardens Chain saw CS30 and CS31

Why choose The Mill Hill Education Group?

Mill Hill Education Group is a charitable collection of independent schools. Its aims of instilling values and inspiring minds has been a key focus since the founding of Mill Hill School in 1807. All schools share an educational philosophy around developing thoughtful and responsible pupils with a global outlook. School life combines academic rigour with a breadth of opportunities to develop young people able to flourish in an ever-changing world.

Educates boys and girls from 3-18, seeking to equip them for life, both now and in the future. Our stimulating academic environment and numerous activities outside the classroom encourage learning and personal growth. We are committed to the development of every pupil and believe that our friendly and supportive community helps this to happen. We seek as a group to instil a love for learning which will last a life time whilst balancing this with a readiness to embrace change.
For further information, please contact Herpal Bhachu, Recruitment Manager. The Mill Hill Education Group is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children. As part of our Recruitment Checks, the appointed candidate will be subject to a Enhanced DBS and Social Media Check.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to 43,500.00 per year

Work Location: In person