Senior Gardener

Permanent, 35 hours per week, Monday to Sunday Shift Rota

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) is an environmental regeneration authority which embraces just about every conceivable aspect of leisure, sport and recreation, including nature conservation, heritage and developing regional sports & leisure facilities.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Gardener to assist the Head Gardener and the gardens team in the day-to-day management of the historical gardens at Myddelton House, which are open daily to the public and which surround our Head Office. Myddelton House Gardens are Grade II listed: EA Bowles, a leading horticulturalist, botanist and prominent figure in the RHS, redesigned the gardens from the late 19th to mid-20th century and filled it with plants he collected, including new introductions and botanical ‘oddities‘. We are planning the next exciting phase in the restoration of the Gardens replanting key areas and re-introducing plants associated with Bowles. You will participate in practical work including watering, planting and propagation as well as ensuring the upkeep of our botanical collection and the National Collections of award-winning Bearded Iris, crocus and ruscus. You will assist the team in increasing our visitor numbers to the Gardens through promotional activities and events as well as working directly with students and volunteers.

You will require relevant qualifications and experience in Horticulture, and a proven supervisory track record in a historic garden/heritage site. Naturally, you will possess an excellent knowledge of plants, shrubs and trees, their nomenclature and all aspects of maintenance and a keen willingness to learn more about our historic collection. We are looking for a skilled horticulturist with a great eye for detail and can be able to deliver creative horticulture to the highest standards.

Why it is great to work for us

Competitive pay, excellent Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave allowance, flexible working plus a great benefits package are just some of the key highlights of working with us.

Our benefits include:

• Health screening: free medical check- up (after successful probation period) and you have the option to purchase a more comprehensive one

• Health Cash Plan

• Dental Cover Plan

• Season ticket loan

• Bicycle purchase scheme: If you travel to work or use one for work you can buy one through the Authority at a significant discount and pay through deductions from your pay. It may also have favourable tax treatment as part of a Green Transport Scheme

• Staff discounts Up to 25% off of food and beverage at cafés. Up to 50% off stays at our campsites. Free weekday golf, discount for weekends. 10% off in our chandleries. 40% off activities at our sporting venues.

If feel that you have the right blend of skills for this role please complete an application form, found on our website www.leevalleypark.org.uk and return it to: jobs@leevalleypark.org.uk

Closing date: 6 January 2025