Hawthorns Caravan Park is a family run park which has been awarded a 5 star rating every year since 1990, that’s 30 years of top quality service! We have also won awards for the Most Improved Park in England, the Best Park in Lancashire and the Gold ‘David Bellamy Conservation Award’ for over 10 years running. We are also very proud to hold the VisitEngland prestigious Gold Award.
There is the opportunity to join a small motivated team and be part of a growing, family-run business as Head Gardener reporting to our Park Manager.
Job description
This is a central position in the year-round care and maintenance of the park’s landscape and grounds.
Working as part of a small team, you will contribute to the overall success of the park. Ensuring immaculate standards are always maintained, making certain it is welcoming and appealing to both potential and existing holiday home owners.
Good teamworking, communication and professionalism are a must.
You will need to be aware of and comply with current health and safety regulations including the wearing of personal protective equipment and manual handling procedures. You will also ensure equipment is used in the correct manner, making certain it is regularly maintained following manufacturer guidelines.
Role Overview
As Lead Gardener, you will be central to the year-round care and presentation of our five-star landscape. You’ll be responsible for hands-on horticulture, aesthetic upkeep, environmental stewardship, and team coordination across Hawthorns Caravan Park and potentially other sites as our park network expands. This position requires both technical know-how and practical versatility, supporting guest experience and operational excellence.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to leave your mark on a well-loved, family-run holiday retreat
- The chance to grow into a multi-site leadership role
- A supportive culture focused on trust, quality, and sustainability
- Ongoing training and development
- £35,000 salary (dependant on experience)
- 28day holiday package
- Working hours are 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday with the possibility of very occasional weekend work with time off given midweek in lieu
- Reduced winter hours
Key Responsibilities
Horticultural Care & Grounds Maintenance
- Maintain diverse plantings of trees, shrubs, vines, perennials, grasses, bulbs, herbaceous borders and rockeries
- Seasonal tasks: pruning, leaf clearance, bulb planting, dividing/transplanting, deadheading, and general landscape clean-up
- Soil cultivation, watering, mulching, edging, raking, weeding, and propagation including greenhouse maintenance
- Lawn mowing and care, including adjustments to equipment for quality cuts
- Monitor plant health and irrigation during drought and establishment phases
- Scout for pests/diseases and apply appropriate treatments with PPE and compliance
- Implement eco-conscious gardening practices that enhance biodiversity
General Duties & Handyman Support
- Clean litter from planting beds, paths, and park thoroughfares
- Power-washing pavements, painting outdoor structures, minor repair tasks
- Assist with preparation and maintenance of plots and caravans for sale
- Washing vehicles and caravans when required
- Maintain bird aviary: feeding, cleaning, general upkeep
- Gas bottle deliveries and stock monitoring
- Participate in car parking duties during peak times or special events
Equipment & Safety
- Operate and maintain tools and machinery: mowers, strimmers, ride-ons, etc
- Perform daily safety and oil checks; report and act on equipment damage
- Secure all machinery, sheds, and storage areas at close of day
- Maintain tidy and clean workspaces including staff toilet and mess room
- Be familiar with emergency water and power shut-off locations
Leadership & Teamwork
- Supervise assistant gardeners and seasonal workers
- Deliver day-to-day task planning and support training initiatives
- Coordinate with park management on long-term garden planning and visual standards
Sustainability & Compliance
- Promote wildlife-friendly approaches and sustainable landscaping
- Ensure all activities comply with Health & Safety legislation
- Maintain high standards in line with our five-star ethos and guest expectations
Skills & Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in horticulture or grounds maintenance
- Hands-on experience with hand tools, garden machinery and irrigation systems
- RHS Level 2 or similar horticultural qualification (preferred)
- PA1/PA6 pesticide certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Full UK driving licence
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and lead by example
- Strong organisational and communication skills
Beneficial but not essential skills
- Experience using an excavator/mini digger
- The ability to perform basic welding tasks
- Basic joinery tasks
- Caravan siting
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £35,000.00 per year
Additional pay:
- Performance bonus
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Gardening: 3 years (preferred)
Location:
- Carnforth LA6 1EA (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 01/08/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025
