Head Gardener

£29,000 pa - 39 hours per week

This post gives a unique opportunity to work in a historic 4 acre garden in central Norwich. Bishop’s House garden is one of the oldest cultivated gardens in the country and has achieved national acclaim. The garden is both a quiet space for the Bishop, his family, staff and those on retreat, as well as a centre for the Bishop’s wider mission and charitable works, and its management reflects his ministry as lead bishop for the environment in the Church of England.

Post Introduction

As Head Gardener, you will be professional and proactive, with an eye for detail and horticultural flair. You will be comfortable representing the Bishop to all who visit, including providing guided tours and supporting garden open days. You will be responsible for an Assistant Gardener, volunteer group and occasional student placements, and will ensure that excellent standards of garden care and presentation are delivered at all times.

Your working hours are 39 per week (plus one-hour lunch break) normally worked Monday to Friday.

The garden is open for charity open days on a number of Sundays and attendance is expected, shared with the Assistant Gardener, for which time off in lieu is given. In addition, garden tours and events hosted by the Bishop are occasionally outside of normal working hours and some flexibility will be required,

The post is offered on a permanent basis subject to the successful completion of a 6 month probation period and an enhanced DBS check.

In return we offer a unique environment with opportunities for continuous learning, generous annual leave for work life balance, and what we feel is a market leading package when it comes to our pension scheme.

To arrange an informal conversation about the role please email bishop@dioceseofnorwich.org

Closing date: 9am 18th September 2023

Interviews will be held on the 25^th September 2023 in Norwich.

A full job description can be downloaded from the link below.

The role of the Head Gardener is to maintain the historic four-acre garden at Bishop’s House, Norwich which has gained national recognition. It comprises woodland, lawns, herbaceous borders, herb garden, rose walk, a kitchen garden with nursery, hedges, wildflower labyrinth, beehives (tended by the bishop) and extensive shrubberies to be kept to a high standard. The garden is an integral part of the Bishop’s ministry of hospitality and is used for a wide range of functions, events and quiet days throughout the year, hence the Head Gardener and their team provide a vital role in the Bishop’s mission and ministry.