Senior Gardener Recruitment Pack - August 2026

Contents

3. Introduction

4. Who We Are

5. Organisation

6. Role Description

7. Key Responsibilities

8. Person Specification

Introduction

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in joining the Glastonbury Abbey team. Glastonbury Abbey holds a unique place in English history and cultural identity. Its fame was built upon its rich tradition of legends, linking Glastonbury with the biblical figure of Joseph of Arimathea, and chivalric figures such as King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Glastonbury’s reputation as the earliest Christian church in western Europe attracted spiritual pilgrims, royal patrons and tremendous wealth.

Glastonbury Abbey is located in the heart of Glastonbury, Somerset, a diverse and vibrant town renowned throughout the world as a place of pilgrimage. The abbey is governed by a board of trustees and is led by a director and senior leadership team that deliver the strategic objectives in line with its charitable objects. It welcomes visitors from all over the world while also maintaining strong links with its local community via a membership scheme and a programme of special events.

Glastonbury Abbey offers visitors a heritage site with nationally significant archaeological ruins, a 14th century medieval kitchen, 36 acres of beautiful grounds as well as a museum, cafés and a shop. It is a site of pilgrimage for people of all faiths and backgrounds and hosts more than 170,000 visitors per year attracted by reasons as diverse as spirituality, myth, legend, exercise, reflection, history and the environment.

This is an exciting period in the life of the abbey. The Abbey Yard development, providing new visitor welcome spaces, gift shop and café, was completed in 2025, and we welcomed 179,000 visitors that year. Future plans include, among other things, improved heritage interpretation and an ambitious programme of conservation.

Glastonbury Abbey is a historical monument, spiritual centre, and visitor attraction. If this role and the opportunity of working at such a location appeals to you we willbe very happy to hear from you.

Helen Smith

Director, Glastonbury Abbey

Who We Are

Glastonbury Abbey is an independent registered charity (no. 1129263) and a company limited by guarantee (no. 6873912), with visitor income and donations the only sources of income. The abbey is governed by a board of trustees.

The objects of the charity have been reviewed and are currently with the Charity Commission for approval. They are:

• maintain and preserve the built and natural environment of Glastonbury Abbey

• use and develop Glastonbury Abbey to advance the Christian religion in accordance with its traditions and spiritual significance

• educate and inspire an understanding and appreciation of the historic and religious importance of Glastonbury Abbey.

The abbey is a scheduled ancient monument and listed building of national importance. The ruins, grounds and accredited museum are open to the public up to 364 days a year. There are over 3200 members and many visits from schools and organised groups take advantage of the education element provided. There is an annual events programme including concerts, plays and the Medieval Fayre. There are two cafés – one at the entrance and one in the grounds. There is also a shop and the abbey owns two houses and a car park.

Abbey House is the administrative building at Glastonbury Abbey as well as a venue for hire. It has a catering kitchen and hosts events such as conferences, workshops, dinners and receptions.

The abbey relies on admission tickets, events and rental from commercial properties for all its income; it receives no operational grants and has an annual turnover in the region of £1.5 million.

Operation of all aspects of the abbey is carried out by an employed staff, which averages 41 and includes more than 50 volunteers.

Commercial activities are run under the auspices of Glastonbury Abbey Trading Ltd, a subsidiary with a board made up of members of the senior leadership team, trustees and non-executive directors.

Organisation

Trustees

Director

Senior Leadership Team

Management Team

Assistant Level

Staff

Volunteers

The board of trustees is chaired by David Odgers and governs Glastonbury Abbey for public benefit and future generations in accordance with its charitable objectives.

Glastonbury Abbey is led by the director. They report to the board of trustees and drive the operation of the abbey with the support of the senior leadership team.

The senior leadership team comprises the Director, Head of Finance, Head of Estates, Head of Engagement, and Events and Marketing Manager

The management team implements the abbey’s strategic priorities and supports the wider team.

Throughout the abbey team assistants bring a multitude of skills and years of experience to bear on the many tasks undertaken at the abbey. They directly support the management and senior leadership teams.

The staff at Glastonbury Abbey are customer focused, knowledgeable and passionate about their role in the future of the abbey. Each member of staff has a unique perspective on the abbey’s place within the community.

Volunteers support every team within the abbey in a great variety of roles. Their input is invaluable in the operation of the abbey.

Senior Gardener

Salary: £13.46 per hour Contract: Permanent Hours: 30 hours per week Reports to: Grounds Manager

Principal working relationships: Grounds Manager, Head of Estates, Grounds team, Facilties Team, Commercial Activity team, Engagement team.

Purpose of the Post

The purpose of the post is to assist in the care and maintenance of Glastonbury Abbey’s 40 acres of parkland. In addition, to be responsible for the maintenance, planting, planning and ongoing care of the abbey’s principal garden areas to include: seasonal displays in the Abbey Yard, the Herb/Kitchen Gardens and Abbey House Gardens.

This job description sets out the principal accountabilities of the post. It does not include every task necessary to fulfil the purpose of the post.

Generic Responsibilities:

▶ Adhere to the principles of Glastonbury Abbey’s vision and values at all times

▶ Maintain employee and organisational confidentiality in line with the General Data Protection Regulations

▶ Comply with all legislative requirements as well as all company policies, procedures and processes.

▶ Ensure compliance with Data protection rules and liaise with GDPR working team as required, maintaining policies and procedures as necessary.

Observe equal opportunities, with respect to both visitors and members of staff. Treat everyone with respect and tolerance, regardless of faith, nationality, gender and sexual orientation and disability.

Observe all Health and Safety at Work procedures as set out by Glastonbury Abbey. Be responsible for your own personal health and safety and that of others, including visitors.

Observe all other policies and procedures set out by Glastonbury Abbey.

Key Tasks and Accountabilities

General Duties

▶ Work with the Grounds Manager to carry out the regimes needed to keep all the grounds in good order

▶ Liaise with the Grounds Manager regularly for planning, training and development as needed

▶ Carry out the daily, weekly, monthly and annual work cycles as directed by the Grounds Manager

▶ Provide holiday cover and deputise as necessary in the absence of the Grounds Manager

Landscape Management

▶ Work with the Grounds Manager to agree proposals for the care and management of the grounds and gardens for the best visual effects and implementation as agreed.

▶ Care for the grounds around the abbey ruins, maintaining weed free surfaces as necessary

▶ Implement and manage site biodiversity program

▶ Keep grassed areas in good condition and maintain the other areas to best effect

▶ Carry out hard landscaping as directed

▶ Work with the Grounds Manager to agree future planting of shrubs and plants and implement as agreed

▶ Ensure hedges, shrubs and garden areas are maintained to best effect

▶ Work with the Facilities Team to ensure cleanliness of all areas and provide holiday cover as needed

Plant Procurement and Propagation

▶ Plan seasonal bedding schemes and order plants and seeds as necessary to agreed budgets

▶ Plant and maintain seasonal displays in the planters at Abbey House, the Abbey Yard and other agreed areas

▶ Planting out, watering, feeding and maintaining new plantings in borders as needed

▶ Manage propagation to provide the needs of the grounds and plant sales as required.

Maintenance Works

▶ Assist with maintenance and repairs to fencing and pathways as necessary

▶ Assist with minor repairs to any areas damaged by vandalism being mindful of Listed status restrictions and Scheduled Monuments Consent as directed by the Grounds Manager

Key Tasks and Accountabilities

Health & Safety

▶ Ensure proper and secure storage of chemicals, equipment and machinery, complying with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations

▶ Ensure all Personal Protective Equipment is used as required

▶ Carry out safety checks on all machinery, keeping good records and taking action when necessary for safe and proper functioning

▶ Plan work in the grounds to ensure visitor safety and fit in with other activities planned in the grounds

▶ Be responsible for your own personal health and safety and that of others, including visitors

▶ Keep up to date on all training and qualification certificates for , hazardous chemicals and other H&S matters as required

Observe and comply with risk / task assessments on all machinery and Volunteer activities

▶ Be mindful of access for all visitors widely across the grounds displaying notices where there are hazards

▶ Act as a qualified Emergency First Aider under the Health and Safety policy

▶ Observe equal opportunities, with respect to both visitors and members of staff.

Working with Volunteers and Work Placements

▶ Assist in the management of volunteer cohorts and work placements within the department.

▶ Ensuring safe working practices are followed at all times.

▶ The correct PPE is used as required.

▶ Ensure regular face to face meetings are held to discuss welfare and other issues.

▶ Twice yearly meetings are held with all volunteers within the department

▶ All work hours are recorded and passed on as required.

▶ Final assessments are passed on to the relevant college.

Person Specification

	Essential	Desirable
Education & Qualifications	Minimum 5 GCsE's or equivalent Qualification in Horticulture.	Grounds Management qualification
Experience	Experience as a Gardener: Experience of being responsible for Gardens management Experience of managing Volunteers Managing budgets and procurement Extensive knowledge of regional plant life Experience in Biodiversity management	Familiarity with landscaping design Operating grounds maintenance equipment (full training can be provided)
Knowledge	Manage Health and Safety and work Change management within all legislations including COSHH / risk /task assessments IT operating systems	Knowledge of synthetic and natural fertilisers First aid training
Skills & Abilities A clear communicator with strong	interpersonal and advocacy skills Well organised and methodical, able The ability to remain on to prioritise a changing workload Able to assess a situation quickly and think on your feet Identify solutions to complex problems Accurate record keeping Comfortable and used to working in Experience of customer a fast-paced environment Able to enthuse and motivate members of the public	Knowledge of local pests and how to eliminate them your feet for long periods of time A love of the outdoors and plant life Managing maintenance regimes and staff rotas care and dealing with
Other	Commitment to equal opportunities Proactive approach Commitment to customer care A confident and professional representative for Glastonbury Abbey Commitment to promote the Abbey's charitable objectives Positive approach to change	to working with and managing volunteers within the department. Driving licence

How to Apply

Find out more:

To discuss details about the role and to ask any questions prior to applying please email Claire Chandler at clairec@glastonburyabbey.com

To apply:

Please download the Glastonbury Abbey application form here and return it to: clairec@glastonburyabbey.com

Deadline:

The final date for application is Friday 25th September, but all applications will be considered upon receipt, and the vacancy may close early if an appointment is made. As such we would recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.

All Glastonbury Abbey staff are required to:

Observe equal opportunities, with respect to both visitors and members of staff. Treat everyone equally with respect and tolerance.

Observe all Health and Safety at Work procedures as set out by Glastonbury Abbey. Be responsible for your own personal health and safety and that of others, including visitors.

Observe all other policies and procedures as set out by Glastonbury Abbey.

GLASTONBURY ABBEY

Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 06873912 Registered charity number 1129263

Registered Address Abbey Gatehouse Magdalene Street Glastonbury Somerset BA6 9EL

Telephone +44
(0)1458 832267