Gardens and Estate Team Leader (Volunteers)

Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) is a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. We create space for spirits to stir and be stirred. 

Over the last few years we have engaged with volunteers  more than ever, and are now looking for a Garden and Estate Team Leader that can engage, supervise, and coordinate the work of our 70+ garden volunteers all year long. 

Our volunteers are passionate about gardening, the landscape, and our history so we need someone to harness that enthusiasm and make their interaction with HRP easy, fruitful, and enjoyable.  

You will be their first point of contact, leading them from recruitment, via training, through to organising their activities and working alongside them, giving hands-on coaching if required. You will also coordinate the activities of work experience students, occasional corporate working groups and other young people in the Gardens.

To do so, you will work in a team with the other G&E team leaders and other volunteer coordinators across the organization, whilst also carrying out a wide range of garden duties to a high standard in order to maintain the appearance of the Gardens or Estate.

Applicants should have a range of practical skills as well as possess relevant horticultural qualifications such as Level I + II Horticulture Skills qualification or RHS Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture (or equivalent). 

Possessing broad knowledge of garden plants and modern horticultural techniques is essential as well as understanding the range of modern garden maintenance methods, machines, and equipment. 

The ideal candidate will be organised, have management and training experience ideally with volunteers, as well as having good IT skills and confidence in using MS Office, Outlook, and Spreadsheets/Databases (like Better Impact). 

Good communication skills along with the ability to provide a high level of customer service and an understanding of the volunteer journey are also essential.

You must be enthusiastic, with a positive can-do attitude and able to work both on your own initiative and in a team.

First aid training and a full, clean UK driving license are required.

Closing date: 22nd January 2023