Overview
Location: Private Estate, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois, Ireland
Reports to: Estate Manager
Salary: Competitive salary and benefits, based on experience
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Gardener to lead the horticultural operations on a prestigious and historically significant private estate in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois. Situated on a thousand acres of parkland along the River Nore in County Laois, Abbeyleix House and Farm is a carefully preserved country estate with hundreds of years of history.
The property includes formal gardens, woodlands, walled gardens, lawns, herbaceous borders, kitchen gardens, and parkland, requiring a combination of skilled maintenance and thoughtful development.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a horticultural professional with leadership experience, strong plant knowledge, and a deep respect for both heritage and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the day-to-day care, restoration, and development of diverse garden areas across the estate.
* Lead, supervise, and motivate a team of gardeners, apprentices, and seasonal workers to maintain the highest horticultural standards across the estate.
* Plan and implement planting schemes, seasonal displays, and landscape improvements in line with the estate’s aesthetic and ecological values.
* Oversee the kitchen garden team, supplying seasonal produce to the household as required.
* Ensure all horticultural practices support biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable management.
* Monitor plant health, pests, and diseases; implement environmentally responsible control measures.
* Operate and maintain garden machinery and tools, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
* Manage garden budgets, maintain records, and source plants, tools, and materials.
* Work closely with the Estate Manager, household staff, and external contractors when necessary.
* Plan and allocate daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks, ensuring efficient use of time and resources.
* Use Basecamp project management software for tasks and information gathering.
* Provide on-the-job training and guidance to less experienced staff, fostering skill development and horticultural knowledge.
* Create a tailored training program for all gardening staff, from apprentices to experienced gardeners, based on their skill levels and the estate’s needs.
* Monitor team performance, provide regular feedback, and ensure a positive and professional working environment.
* Conduct team meetings and liaise with the Estate Manager to align gardening work with broader estate operations and priorities.
* Ensure that all team members are trained in workplace safety protocols, including safe handling of tools, machinery, chemicals, and working in adverse weather conditions.
* Ensure all staff follow health and safety procedures, including the correct use of tools, machinery, and chemicals.
* Recruit additional seasonal or contract staff as needed, in consultation with the Estate Manager.
* Support estate events or public open days as appropriate.
Requirements
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior gardening or head gardener role, ideally on a large private or historic estate.
* Experience managing a horticultural team
* Recognised horticultural qualification (e.g., Level 8+ or equivalent).
* Strong knowledge of Irish climate and planting conditions.
* Experience with heritage garden maintenance, formal and informal planting and productive growing.
* Experience of garden design would be a distinct advantage.
* Successful track record in leading, developing and motivating employees.
* Passion, energy and commitment with high personal integrity and a practical, pragmatic and hardworking presence with the flexibility required for the role.
* A strong and self-confident team player with a collaborative and facilitative leadership style.
* Excellent, effective and confident communication skills – face-to-face, on the phone and in writing with a wide range of stakeholders.
* Ability to work on own initiative, innovatively and think outside the box to drive projects forward.
* An ability to prioritise objectives and meet deadlines.
* Strong IT skills, including Word, Excel, and CAD.
* PA1/PA6 Spraying Certification (or Irish equivalent).
* Chainsaw cert
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