Head Gardener

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a keen plants person and experienced
horticulturalist interested in working in parks and open spaces. Are you a
talented horticultural specialist? Do you have hands-on experience of working within a public
park or garden? Are you an exceptional leader? Are you passionate about horticulture and
looking for a new challenge?

About Us

The City of London Corporation manages 11,000 acres (approximately 4,500 hectares) of land in
and around London that is enjoyed by over 16 million visitors annually. Whilst there are small
pockets of land within the Square Mile, the majority can be found elsewhere in London and the
surrounding counties. The City Corporation acts as Trustee of 10 charities which, through their
various objects, are responsible for the preservation in perpetuity of a large proportion of
these award-winning open spaces.

The role

As Head Gardener of the Golders Hill Park, Hill Garden and Pergola horticultural team, you will
lead the day to day running and achieving of high-quality standards for our heritage gardens.
The successful candidate will lead and work in collaboration with our Senior Ranger, Head
Gardener Hill Garden and Pergola, Gardener and Apprentices in developing specific projects
including the design of new flower beds, new planting schemes and landscaping projects. You
will lead on planning and implementation of all practical, ornamental horticultural operations.

The ideal Candidate

You have a level 3 Horticultural qualification from the RHS, Chartered Institute of
Horticulture or demonstrable experience at equivalent level. You can demonstrate continuous
continuing professional development and are knowledgeable of best practice and current trends.
You have a full UK driving licence. You can demonstrate an excellent knowledge of horticulture
and design. You are a keen plant person. You have a proven track record in managing staff,
projects, contractors, and apprentices. You have a good understand of MS office and good IT
skills.

Benefits Include

• Competitive salary starting at £40,200 including Inner London Weighting, (clear incremental
  progress points).
• 24 days annual leave plus public holidays.
• Pension scheme is operated in accordance with Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee assistance programmes including mental well-being support.
• Bicycle Loan scheme.
• Travel card scheme

Closing date: 12 noon on 3 October 2025

To apply online please click the apply button below.

Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number
OENV822 if you experience any difficulties. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is
available on 020 7332 3732.

The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications
from all sections of the community.

We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of
applications.

Because our roles are so varied, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for workplace
attendance. How many days a week you’ll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the
requirements of your role. It’s important that you understand the requirements before applying
to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly
and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies
and business needs.

For more information on our categories for workplace attendance, please view our guide here.

We will be reviewing this policy and approach at regular intervals to ensure we’re meeting our
attendance needs.

This role requires a Basic Disclosure & Barring Service check. 

The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and
reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation, to ensure that
everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.