Are you an enthusiastic, confident and experienced gardener? We are seeking a Head Gardener to join our team in Scotland, nurturing and developing one of the region’s most exciting hospital gardens.Working alongside the Patient Experience Manager, you will oversee the care and development of the garden, support patients with spinal injuries, and help create a welcoming, thriving space for everyone who uses it.You will lead a part-time Garden Coordinator and volunteer team, build relationships with NHS staff, supporters and partners, and work closely with colleagues across Horatio’s Garden. You will also play a key role in delivering patient-focused activities, improving access to the garden, and leading events including garden tours and fundraising open days.Job Description* Please read full job description here before applying.Job Title: Head GardenerLocation: National Spinal Injuries Centre, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, GlasgowSalary: £38,470Contract: Permanent. Full timeClosing Date: 8th November 2026 at midnightPlease write a one page covering letter, explaining why you would be suited to this role and send this along with your CV to kath.moss@horatiosgarden.org.ukHorticultureMaintain high horticultural standards at all times to keep the garden looking it’s best all year roundWork to the garden maintenance plan, agreed with the designer, to develop and implement seasonal growing plans to ensure all year-round colourBe a driving force in eco-conscious gardening, water management, and biodiversity initiativesRun a varied programme of gardening sessions both individually and in groups for people with spinal injuriesPeople with spinal injuriesWorking closely with the Patient Experience Manager to develop relationships with patients and families to ensure the best experience for them in the garden at every stage of their stayMaintain a consistent garden activities programme appropriate for the current patient group, ensuring everything is patient led and an alternative to the hospital environment.Lead on developing a gardening role for patients who are on delayed discharge and interested in pursuing their interest/skillsWork with the Impact Assistant and wider team to monitor the impact of the gardenLead on the garden doors project for patients to have easier access into the woodland gardenNHS staffDevelop and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with NHS clinical teams, estates and voluntary servicesVolunteersRecruitment and training of new volunteers to support with the gardeningManage the team of garden volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the garden and all processes are adhered toFundraising and CommunicationsWork with Fundraising Managers and volunteers to develop opportunities to generate income in the garden through friends, corporate friends and third-party fundraisingSupport corporate sponsor events and fundraising opportunities and lead when it is gardening relatedSupport with promotion on all local social media accounts and provide regular updates for contentRepresent the garden and charity at key eventsLead all gardening related eventsInterviews with press/media as requiredAdministrativeEnsure all administrative tasks associated with the role are monitored, completed and maintained, with assistance from the Garden CoordinatorAssist with ensuring the garden rooms are kept clean and tidy at all timesManage the local garden budgetRegular monthly reporting of gardening, maintenance and patient activitiesHealth & SafetyEnsure the timely maintenance of all buildings, fixtures and fittings in the gardenOrganise and supervise any maintenance contractorsMaintain all tools and equipment in safe working orderEnsure all work in the garden is completed in a safe mannerSafeguardingComply with all safeguarding policies and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead immediatelyThis post is subject to an enhanced DBS checkIt should be noted that the list above is intended to give an overall view of the position and should be taken as guidance only. Person SpecificationKnowledge and skillsEssential Practical experience as a gardener, including experience of garden managementRHS Level 3 or equivalent Diploma in Principles and Practices of HorticultureExperience of leading and managing teamsExperience of working with volunteersConfident to work with and supervise contractorsStakeholder engagement and networkingGood IT skills, specifically proficient with Microsoft Office 365: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPointInterest in the wellbeing benefits of gardensDesirable Experience of delivering Social and Therapeutic Horticulture sessionsExperience of volunteer recruitment and trainingExperience of building maintenanceExperience of using SharePointBudget management experienceKnowledge of using social media to promote activities and eventsExperience of working with the NHS or in a health care settingVoluntary sector experienceDigital photographyQualitiesOutstanding interpersonal skills, with the ability to successfully develop new working relationshipsProfessional and confidentExcellent communication skillsProactive, can-do attitudeEmpathetic and kindCalm under pressureAbility to prioritise and adapt to the changing needs of each working daySelf-motivated and capable of working with the minimum of direction but understanding the limits of your knowledge and able to seek advice when requiredAble to meet the physical demands of the roleAs a Charity we are committed to creating and promoting a culture that protects and preserves the welfare of the vulnerable people in our care. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining and evaluating information from and about candidates including criminal record checks, to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work for our Charity.APPLICATIONPlease write a one page covering letter, explaining why you would be suited to this role and send this along with your CV to kath.moss@horatiosgarden.org.ukWe are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all sectors of society.NOTE: DBS, medical and reference checks will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.
