Head Gardener, Retford Park

National Trust of Australia (NSW)

• Location: Bowral, NSW
• Job Type: Full time Permanent, 38 hrs week
• Category: Horticulture
• Sectors: Horticulture, Landscape Gardening
• Reports to: Property Manager, Retford Park
• Salary package: Approx $91.4k inc super and leave loading

Head Gardener, Retford Park

An exciting opportunity to be Head Gardener at one of Australia’s most beautiful heritage properties – Retford Park. You will be responsible for the maintenance, presentation and conservation of the grounds.

Overview

The National Trust is the largest community based, not-for-profit conservation organisation in Australia, operating for more than 70 years. Our vision is to bring the heritage of New South Wales to life now and into the future through advocating for the conservation and protection of our built, cultural and natural heritage.

Retford Park is a property of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) with great heritage significance. Set on 80 acres behind Bowral, Retford Park features a grand Victorian Italianate homestead with extensive formal gardens.

About the Role - What you’ll be doing

We are seeking an experienced and passionate head gardener to manage the maintenance, restoration and conservation of the grounds with support from a small crew of dedicated staff and a team of enthusiastic volunteers.

Ideally this role will suit someone who has experience with cool climate gardens, large-scale gardens and delivering a high level of presentation and safety in a publicly accessible space.

About you - Who we’re looking for

It’s a key role at a significant heritage site and we need someone who can take on a challenge. To deliver this role successfully you’ll need to have:

• excellent horticultural knowledge
• working knowledge of Cool Climate gardens
• experience with the management and operation of a complex large scale garden.
• an aptitude for maintaining mechanical equipment
• be familiar with working within the framework of a Conservation Management Plan
• a commitment to using sustainable practices wherever possible
• worked in a similar position for at least 4 years
• excellent organisational, communication and people skills
• an eye for detail
• ability to manage your time efficiently and effectively
• a practical 'can-do' approach to your work
• an understanding of the aims and ethos of the National Trust

This is a big job but highly rewarding for someone who knows how to manage a large formal garden of such significance. We’re looking for someone who is innovative and knows how to help bring a property to life in ways that engage the community while still honouring our conservation ideals. We offer a flexible work environment and value the highest levels of professionalism. Accommodation onsite may be available if you are interested.

• You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this job.
• For a full position description or any enquiries call: 02 9258 0159 or email [email protected]
• To apply, submit your resume together with a cover letter (2 pages maximum) that details your capabilities and experience in relation to this role to: [email protected]

While Applications close Sunday 16 March, don’t delay! We review applications as they come in and if we find the right candidate, we will close the role earlier than the advertised close date.