Head Gardener

Position Description:
As an integral part of the management structure for the Garden Team, support the continual maintenance and development of Festina Lente's tranquil gardens to their full potential in terms of the green areas being a resourceful support and medium for wellbeing and social inclusion.
Reporting to:
Head of Horticulture & Garden Retail
Based at:
The primary base for the position will be in our HQ at Old Connaught Avenue, Bray, Co Wicklow.
As part of our strategic growth, we are relocating to Belfield House, Kilpedder, Co.
Wicklow within a timeframe of 2 to 4 years.
This role will immediately operate across both locations in preparation for and in support of this move.
Contract Type:
Full-time Permanent, 39hr week (Monday to Friday)
Position Goals:
To supervise and oversee all aspects of the garden spaces, ensuring they are maintained and landscaped to the highest horticultural standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
As Head of the Gardening Team:
Supervision/Staffing
Supervising and leading the team of gardeners, maintaining their work schedules and bi-weekly reporting on progress,
Motivating and encouraging the team of gardeners to creatively maintain and landscape their assigned areas,
Responsible for the coordination of volunteer activities within the gardens,
Support the recruitment and training of the team of gardeners including probation assessment reviews, performance assessments and identifying skills development as part of team growth.
Resource Management
Managing resources effectively, including plant material, manure/compost bays, tools and equipment
Implementation of innovative planting schemes, including supporting the design and install features of ponds and water focal points,
Support the creation and maintenance the gardens ornamental appeal.
Maintenance
Overseeing all aspects of garden maintenance including mowing, pruning, pest control
Seasonal Maintenance/Events
Oversee all seasonal related tasks ensuring that there is adequate and appropriately timed planning, resourcing and support within the team of gardeners.
Assisting with horticultural operations, and event supervision as it pertains to gardens in partnership with the ELC and STH teams.
Record Keeping/Equipment Maintenance
Maintaining accurate records of plant collections, treatments, and other relevant information.
Accountable for scheduling routine maintenance of equipment as well as the documentation of inhouse safety inspections.
Woodland/Sensory Trail
Overseeing all garden maintenance of the sensory, woodland trails and meadows.
Operationally leading garden projects as they contribute to the overall strategic planning of Festina Lente Gardens,
Communication
Communicating effectively with stakeholders (internally and externally), as well as visitors, volunteers and staff members across the business.
Health & Safety
Responsible for always demonstrating safety leadership within the team to the utmost standards of Health & Safety in accordance with the organisational policies and legislation,
Ensuring the safety of staff and visitors within the garden.
Training and Development
Attending all designated training workshops as it pertains to equipment use and horticulture skills development,
Co-lead the team and staff meetings together with the Head of Horticulture & Garden Retail
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Ability to lead, motivate, engage and develop a team of gardeners,
Strong personal leadership interpersonal and communication skills across a team setting,
Strong intrapersonal skills including self-motivation, flexibility, problem solving and creativity,
Committed to fostering a culture of social inclusion across diverse teams,
Enjoys the outdoor environment and be physically able and fit for the strenuous nature of the post.
Education and experience
Proven team supervisory experience, expert garden maintenance experience, with a robust horticultural expertise of plants, shrubs and trees,
Proven experience with garden tools, machinery and vehicles,
Work Authorisation:
Ireland, required
Benefits of Employment:
Compensation: The salary will be commensurate with experience.
Benefits Include:
23 days' annual leave
Access to a Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA) scheme
Access to professional training and continuous development programmes.
Access to Educational Support
Bike to work scheme
On-site parking
Closing date:
22nd August 2025

Equal Opportunities Statement:
Festina Lente is an equal opportunity employer.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from diverse and underrepresented communities.
FESTINA LENTE CHILD PROTECTION POLICY / GARDA VETTING / MANDATORY DECLARATION
Garda Vetting for all employees and volunteers is compulsory and those candidates invited for interview will be asked to complete a Garda Vetting form for submission at that time.
The successful candidate will be provided with a copy of the Festina Lente Child Protection Policy and will be required to sign their acceptance of the contents of this document.
A Mandatory Declaration Form must be signed in advance of commencement of employment.
This role is supported by the Community Services Programme and as such is subject to continued government funding.
The Community Services Programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and is managed by Pobal.
Qualifying Criteria for all applicants applying for CSP Supported Positions:
People who are in the workforce but unemployed and seeking to return to work i.e.,
people who are in receipt of Jobseeker's Benefit (JB), Jobseekers Allowance (JA);people who are signing for credits
Qualified Adults (Adult dependants of those in receipt of social welfare payment)
People with Disabilities (PWD) i.e. in receipt of Disability Allowance, Blind Pension, Partial Capacity Benefit, or other disability benefit.
Ukrainians (displaced by the war)
Irish Travellers & Roma
People coming from a labour activation scheme i.e. Community Employment, TUS, or RSS placements
One Parent Families (people who parent alone without sufficient resources and are in receipt of social welfare payments)
People who are deserted, separated, divorced or widowed (People in receipt of
Widow/er's non-contributory pension, surviving Civil Partner's non-contributory pension, or deserted Wives allowance/benefit)
Carers (people in receipt of Carers Allowance/Benefit who want to return to the workforce)
#J-18808-Ljbffr