Horticultural Lead

About Ufton
At Ufton, we know learning outside the classroom gives children the freedom to flourish.

We run experiential programmes that deep children’s knowledge and connection to nature, history and the self. Our team of skilled educators know how to make learning fun and bring out the best in all children, whatever their needs and whoever they are.

We give children a safe space to learn about themselves and see everything in a new light, helping them grow up more confident, curious and capable.

Purpose

To lead and embed a coherent, sustainable and inspiring approach to horticulture at Ufton Court – improving the visual, ecological and educational value of the estate while supporting our charitable aims.

Working closely with our Estates Manager, you will take responsibility for the strategic planning and day-to-day delivery of all horticultural activity across the site. You will coordinate all planting areas, lead our horticultural volunteers, support and mentor our apprentice Grounds Lead and collaborate with colleagues to ensure our outdoor spaces reflect Ufton’s ambition, values and high standards.

This is a practical, creative and strategic role that will bring long-term benefit to thousands of children, families and visitors. It is ideally suited to someone who takes pride in purposeful work, who understands the constraints and possibilities of working in a charity setting and who believes that gardens can quietly change the world.

Key responsibilities

1. Strategic horticultural leadership

• Develop and deliver a seasonal and multi-year planting strategy that enhances the estate’s appearance, biodiversity and contribution to our charitable mission.
• Improve the coherence, purpose and maintenance of all key planting areas including the Herb Garden, Polytunnels, Root/Nest Garden and formal beds.
• Establish a sustainable in-house propagation system using the polytunnels as a cost-effective nursery pipeline.
• Ensure all planting decisions are in line with visual impact, seasonal appropriateness, heritage sensitivity and environmental sustainability.
• Build long-term planning into short-term action – recognising that nature works to a cycle, not a deadline.

2. Hands-on horticulture and site care

• Deliver physical horticultural tasks where needed, including soil preparation, planting, pruning, propagation and estate maintenance.
• Lead improvements in composting, irrigation and soil health to maximise quality and resilience.
• Work alongside our Estates Manager to ensure seamless coordination with the wider site team – particularly in managing boundaries, pathways, storage and services.
• Oversee the Root/Nest Garden in collaboration with the Catering and Wedding Teams to support food education, sustainability and seasonal produce use.

3. Volunteer leadership and mentoring

• Lead and support our growing team of skilled and committed horticultural volunteers – ensuring they are welcomed, organised and confident in their work.
• Build a positive and productive culture, with weekly planning that balances short-term needs with long-term goals.
• Mentor and support our apprentice Grounds Lead to develop core horticultural skills, responsibility and professional pride.
• Maintain strong routines around health, safety, safeguarding and respect for the site.

4. Cross-team collaboration

• Work closely with the Education Team to support learning outcomes across historical periods, science, sustainability and wellbeing – especially through themed planting and child-led growing areas.
• Liaise with the Weddings and Events Team to maximise visual impact, flower use and seasonal wow for guests and couples.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with all site users – bringing a spirit of generosity and quiet authority to the role.
• Support biodiversity goals and prepare the estate to welcome new additions such as a honey bee colony.

5. Working with Children

Safeguarding: All staff at Ufton share responsibility for keeping children safe. As such, you must:

• Follow Ufton’s Safeguarding Policy and safer working practices
• Complete relevant safeguarding training
• Maintain clear professional boundaries
• Report any concerns promptly

This role may involve direct or indirect work with children. A commitment to creating a safe, inclusive culture across the estate is essential.

Conduct around children: All staff are expected to model Ufton’s values in their behaviour, treating every child with kindness, respect and fairness as well as challenging or reporting anything that falls short.

Pre-employment checks: All roles at Ufton are subject to:

• An enhanced DBS check
• At least three references, including your most recent employer
• Clarification of any gaps in employment
• Proof of the right to work in the UK

Any concerns will be followed up in line with our safer recruitment procedures.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven horticultural experience
• Strong practical gardening skills including propagation, soil improvement and pruning
• A natural organiser and team leader with experience managing volunteers
• Understanding of planting cycles, seasonal planning and biodiversity principles
• Able to work strategically and hands-on – planning ahead and getting stuck in
• Kind, calm and collaborative, with excellent communication and mentoring skills
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors year-round

Desirable

• Experience in coordinating multi-use landscapes or historic gardens
• Knowledge of sustainable or organic gardening practices
• Familiarity with the rhythms and realities of working in a charity setting
• Enthusiasm for education, food growing or community horticulture

Values and alignment

• Committed to Ufton’s mission of changing children's lives through immersive and inspirational learning outside the classroom.
• You share our values of agility with consistency, playful and professional, acting today for tomorrow, and the belief that curiosity leads to excellence.
• Sensitive to the needs of children who struggle in traditional settings and committed to equity and inclusion in all aspects of work.
• Enthusiastic about heritage, the outdoors and the transformational power of learning through experience.
• Partial to a homemade flapjack and ability to make a decent cup of tea.

Why join us?

At Ufton, we believe that the outdoors inspires curiosity, courage and connection – and that beautifully cared-for spaces create the conditions for learning and belonging. We are a place-based charity with a big heart and high standards, committed to immersive education, biodiversity and stewardship. This role offers the chance to help shape a place that matters, leading with knowledge, generosity and a spade in hand.

We are based in a glorious rural location but that does mean you'll need access to your own transport. Whilst on site you’ll have lunch provided and there is usually homemade cake around.

You must have the right to work in the UK and to be onsite as often as possible as we are a place-based organisation.

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and how you align with Ufton's values to r[email protected].

We will only consider applications that provide a covering letter.

Closing date: 11:59pm 20th August 2025

We are keen to have someone in place soon so are interviewing candidates on a rolling basis so do apply early.

Ufton is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, especially those from underrepresented communities. All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory completed enhanced DBS (The Disclosure and Baring Service) check and at least three references.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 20/08/2025