Head Gardener

Head Gardener

Our client a Cookery school and organic farm is seeking to recruit a head gardener to come and join the team on a 100 acre biodiverse organic farm gardens and greenhouses in East Cork. This is an exciting opportunity to join a farm and garden team with over 40 years experience of producing exceptional quality organic food year round. They are looking for an experienced innovative and ambitious Head Gardener who will take the gardens and grounds which are open to the public to the next level and expand their educational programmes.

Requirements of the role:

Follow organic principals at all times and uphold the ethos of Ballymaloe Cookery School.

Manage all Horticultural aspects of the gardens and grounds including both crop production and amenity areas.

Work and plan with the farm manager and garden team to ensure the highest standards of maintenance in all relevant areas.

To take the lead take responsibility and take ownership of the role and bring fresh thinking and innovation to it.

The Candidate should be an experienced gardener suitably qualified in horticulture organics or other appropriate areas and be able to provide good references.

Essential abilities / Competencies:

Proven track record (Minimum 5 years) in Organic Commercial Horticulture

Performance management and supervision of a garden team including identifying training and development needs.

Good communication teaching organisational and team leadership skills.

Ensure all works are completed in a safe manner in compliance with Health and Safety protocol a key requirement for all works.

Operation and maintenance of garden machinery tools equipment and vehicles.

Full clean driving licence.

Manual handling certificate is desirable.

Ability to adapt growing plans and resources to meet the cookery schools course programme and recipes.

Experience of operating and maintaining general farm equipment.

Ability to teach related subjects to school students.

Personal and professional commitment to local and global sustainable food.

Benefits and salary:

Excellent salary commensurate with experience.

Daily lunch provided in the cookery school alongside staff students and visitors.

Accommodation provided subject to need and availability

Apply with CV and cover letter.