Head Gardener

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Gardener to lead the day-to-day maintenance and development of our beautiful College gardens. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic horticultural professional to play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the College grounds for the enjoyment of our Fellows, Students, Staff and Visitors.

Working closely with the Operations and Estates Director, the Head Gardener will lead and support the Gardens team, ensuring the College’s gardens are maintained to a consistently high standard while also identifying opportunities for their continued development. You will also play an important role in developing, promoting and managing an environmental strategy to include biodiversity and current legislation.

We are looking for an experienced horticultural professional with a genuine passion for gardens and a strong commitment to maintaining high standards. You will have excellent organisational and communication skills, together with the ability to lead and motivate a team. You will be practical, proactive and able to work collaboratively with colleagues.

A strong knowledge of horticultural practices, garden maintenance and development is essential, along with the ability to manage resources and budgets effectively.

The role is offered on either a full time basis 5 days per week or on a reduced hours basis of 4 days per week. Please stipulate on your application which you would like to be considered for. 

A full UK driving licence is required due to the need to maintain offsite College properties. 

In return we can offer a benefits package including:

• 36 days holiday pro rata 
• Free meals on shift 
• A 6% employer contributory pension scheme
• Free car parking (if available)
• Life assurance x3 salary
• A health cash back scheme 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Wellbeing programme including free yoga and bootcamp sessions 
• College gym
• College punt hire
• Employee Assistance Programme

To learn more about this post or to make an informal enquiry please contact: the Operations and Estates Director, Tatjana Walker at tatjana.walker@lucy.cam.ac.uk.  

Closing date: 9am on Monday 26 October 2026

Interviews:  Wednesday 4 November 2026 

Job Description and Person Specification 

Candidate Pack 

Lucy Cavendish College is committed to recruiting, retaining and developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities that we serve. Candidates are requested to complete the Equality Opportunities Monitoring Form as part of their application. The information provided is anonymous and will not be used in considering your application or given to the selection panel.