Job Description

Trials Maintenance Team Leader

Salary: 27,682 pa (13.65 ph) plus overtime

Why David Austin Roses

At David Austin Roses, we're more than just a horticultural company; we're a passionate family-owned business dedicated to breeding and cultivating the most exquisite English Roses.

With over fifty years of rich heritage, we take great pride in creating roses that are not only beautiful but also fragrant and charming. Our love for roses and commitment to excellence has made us a beloved name in gardens around the world.

We are incredibly fortunate to work alongside a talented group of individuals who share our passion. Together, we strive to bring David Austin Senior's vision to life from our beautiful home nestled along a charming country lane in Shropshire.

Primary purpose:

To lead the day-to-day care, maintenance and presentation of garden rose trials across container and field sites. This hands-on role ensures plants within the trials programme thrive and are accurately maintained to support breeding, production, and commercial objectives. The role involves planning, prioritising and carrying out a wide range of horticultural tasks with precision and consistency, while coordinating a small team of staff.

Although we are making strides to reduce the requirement for working additional hours during the growing season, this role may require working weekends and some bank holidays. Overtime/ time off in lieu will be given.

Your day to day:

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the care and maintenance of trial areas and roses, including watering, weeding, feeding, pruning, deadheading, tying in, mowing, strimming, matting and general husbandry. This can involve the use of plant, such as tractors and telehandlers.

Ensure all trial areas (container and field) are kept to a high standard of presentation and cleanliness. Implement pest and disease monitoring and management in line with protocols, including deployment of integrated pest management (IPM ) and chemicals/fertilisers as required Carry out planting, transplanting, spacing, and staking in accordance with trial plans. Maintain accurate labelling, layout, and identification of trial stock. Support accurate and consistent application of growing techniques across different trial types. Work closely with the Trials Manager and wider Breeding & Trials Department management to understand schedules and priorities. Supervise and train seasonal or junior team members during busy periods. Monitor irrigation and environmental control systems to support optimal plant health. Report any issues with plant health, systems, or infrastructure promptly and clearly. Ensure safe working practices are followed at all times.
Assist with any other required work to deliver the breeding and trialling programmes

What you bring to the team

RHS or related horticultural training/qualifications is preferred, or equivalent experience

Practical experience working in a commercial or ornamental horticulture setting.

Good understanding of plant care, particularly pruning, pest/disease control, and irrigation.

Experience in field-based growing environments.

Comfortable working outdoors in varying seasonal conditions.

Excellent attention to detail and pride in maintaining high presentation standards.

Ability to lead a small team and coordinate daily work plans.

Flexible, proactive and capable of managing changing priorities across trial sites.

Reliable record-keeping and communication skills.

A keen interest in rose growing, breeding, or trials work.

Physical ability to perform hands-on plant care tasks, including lifting, bending, and prolonged standing (reasonable adjustments will be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010). This role includes working outdoors in variably weather conditions.

Full UK driving licence (essential).

Tractor/telehandler licence essential

PA1/PA6 spraying certification essential.

Basic IT skills (e.g. email, spreadsheets).

Working Conditions:

Full-time role (39 hours a week), with the core shifts on Monday to Friday, working 8:00am to 4:30am, except for Friday's finishing at 3:30pm. This includes 30 minutes per day unpaid break and 30 minutes per day paid break.

Site-based role across nursery trial locations.

Seasonal flexibility may be required based on growing cycle and weather.

Significant outdoor working in all seasons, with manual handling and physical tasks.

Some weekend or evening work may be required at peak times.

What's in it for you?

25 days annual leave + Statutory Bank Holidays

Employee discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Free onsite parking

Total earnings employer contributions to pension

At David Austin Roses we work hard to build a diverse, collaborative and supportive culture and we are committed to creating an environment that reflects the many communities

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 27,682.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person