Deputy Head Gardener

Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in the United Kingdom is seeking a Deputy Head Gardener to assist in managing their historic gardens. The role involves supporting the Head Gardener with planning, supervising staff, and ensuring high maintenance standards. Ideal candidates will have experience in garden management and knowledge of health and safety practices. This fulltime position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits, including generous annual leave.

Benefits

36 days annual leave

Defined benefits pension schemes

Flexible working options

Support for health & mental wellbeing

Discounts on shopping

Rental deposit scheme

Public transport season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Experience in managing historic gardens is preferred.
• Ability to provide practical support in garden projects.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements in a garden setting.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Gardener in managing the garden.
• Supervise assistant gardeners and volunteers.
• Assist in planning and developing garden projects.

Skills

Organisational advice

Supervision of staff

Event preparation

Job description

# Deputy Head Gardener**The Gardens & Grounds at Madingley Hall**Our historic garden spans eight acres of beautifully arranged grounds designed by Capability Brown. It features a variety of elements, including an impressive 18th-century walled garden and its distinctive hazel walk, further across the grounds you will encounter the historic meadow and topiary garden, all surrounded by mature trees and a diverse selection of plants that beautifully frame the Madingley Hall estate.**What will you be doing**The successful candidate will support the Head Gardener with the day-to-day management of the historic gardens of Madingley Hall. The gardens are approximately 4 hectares/10 acres in size and include a historic wildflower meadow, mature trees, topiary, walled garden, extensive grassed areas including a croquet lawn and a rich diversity of plants.The role involves providing organisational and practical advice and support to the Head Gardener in the planning, development and delivery of garden projects including garden features and planting, identification and procurement of equipment and resources, planning staff work schedules, preparing the garden for events and liaising with course members, clients and visitors.The role-holder will supervise assistant gardeners and volunteers as required; and assists in ensuring that all statutory and University Health and Safety requirements are fulfilled and garden maintenance developments are completed to a high standard.**How to Apply**Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.**Benefits*** 36 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays.* Defined benefits pension schemes* Flexible working options* Support for health & mental wellbeing* Discounts on shopping* Rental deposit scheme* Public transport season ticket loansOnce an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be made to Mr Tom Wheatcroft, Head Gardener via email: [e-mail] about the application process may be directed to: [e-mail] closing date for applications is 05 January 2026Interviews will take place on: week commencing 19 January 2026Please quote reference EA48105 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.### Department/location### Salary£27,319-£31,236### ReferenceEA48105### Category### Date published1 December 2025### Closing date5 January 2026