Head Gardener
- Abbeyleix, Co Laois
- Permanent
- Full-time
Reports to: Estate ManagerSalary: Competitive salary and benefits, based on experienceContract 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.
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 5+ 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
Abbeyleix House and Farm is 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.