St John’s College was founded in 1511 and is one of the largest of the colleges in the University of Cambridge.  It is a registered charity established for the advancement of education, religion, learning and research.

The College grounds extend to some 11 hectares and both the River Cam and the Bin Brook run through the estate.  They include a wide range of ornamental lawns, parkland recreation space, formal gardens, mature trees, the ‘wilderness’ area (a copse of large trees, shrubs, spring bulbs and a population of rare Martagon lilies), river embankments and a number of residential gardens attached to College houses.  The main site is Grade 2* listed on Historic England’s Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. 

The Role:

The College is looking to appoint an ambitious and energetic leader to develop and implement the next phase in the development of this historic landscape.  The new Head Gardener will work with the College to create an updated landscape strategy and will design and implement the projects identified, with a view to enhancing the biodiversity, sustainability and amenity value of the College grounds. 

This is also a hands-on leadership role and, working with the six person Gardens Team, this person will be responsible for the on-going planning, care and maintenance of the college landscape and gardens, including the garden areas at student hostels and furnished lets.  As well as being home to a number of students and resident academics, the College is periodically open to visitors and the Head Gardener may be asked on occasion to represent the College in conducting tours or attending cross-College events.

This is an excellent opportunity for a personable and practical team leader who has the vision and flair to influence the development of this important historic landscape.    

The College offers a competitive benefits package including membership of a defined contributory pension scheme, 36 days’ annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays), access to a ‘cash plan’ healthcare scheme currently provided by Simplyhealth,  free lunch (up to a specified monetary limit), free use of an on-site Gym and free parking close to the College site.

For further particulars and an application form, please click the links below, email recruitment@joh.cam.ac.uk or telephone 01223 338794.

The closing date for the receipt of completed applications is 5.00 pm on Sunday 29 November 2020.  Shortlisted applicants will be offered a site visit in the week commencing 7 December 2020, with interviews expected to take place on the 16 December 2020.

In applying for this role, you will provide personal data which the College will process in accordance with its data protection obligations and its Data Protection Policy. Please see attached for a copy of our Data Protection Statement for further information about how we process your personal data.