Landscape Manager

Context

Celebrate, conserve and explore the science, diversity and beauty of plants, nature and landscapes.

The Project

The SBG will become a globally recognised botanic garden that curates its Living Collection in designed landscapes, shaped and constructed using natural rock and water features and adheres to the Living Collection Policy. The wider estate continues to enhance the countryside by creating and establishing wildlife habitats that will define specific areas. A program of creating sustainable, regenerative systems for the environment and edible crops is underway and will continue to evolve.

The existing full-time team is employed to construct, create, establish and maintain all designed and countryside/estate areas. It is also employed to source, propagate and produce the majority of the Living Collection from seed in SBG nurseries. SBG continues to increase its scientific, public and educational activities with both national and international interest groups and partners. Team members are expected to participate in continual training and self-development.

The Role

The Landscape Manager, answering to a director, will require specialist knowledge, skills and abilities to enable them to fulfil their role and benefit the project. They will be required to possess specialist knowledge of temperate plants - particularly trees and shrubs - as well as experience in gardens’ management and mentoring staff and others.

Working in the SBG team, the Landscape Manager will actively oversee the introduction and maintenance of the Living Collection in the landscape according to standard operating procedures, planting designs and specifications while collaborating with contractors or designers. This position also requires professional knowledge to contribute to planning and scheduling.

Using an extensive knowledge of plants, nomenclature, cultivation and suitability the Landscape Manager will be able to interpret planting plans and comment on possible adjustments while sharing their knowledge with others and genuinely care about and understand the Living Collection. Successful introduction and establishment of the Living Collection will require experience and knowledge of soils, their management and amelioration.

Key Responsibilities

Manage work programs to achieve specific objectives particularly the preparation, introduction and establishment of the Living Collection in the landscape.

Demonstrate initiative and dynamic thinking to achieve objectives

Collaborate with SBG staff, designers, partners and visitors

Promote SBG in your specialist areas and engage with specialist partners

Ensure adherence with SBG Living Collection Mission and Policy

Assist with work planning and scheduling

Contribute to decision making

Show versatile methods of problem solving

Provide empathetic, professional support for team members

Operate horticultural machinery and equipment

Participate in any relevant training

Undertake work related travel

Contribute with staff performance and appraisals

Assist with the management of Health and Safety

Drive on public roads and estate land

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

Hold a relevant academic qualification at level 5 (HND) or, ideally, at degree level

Have a minimum of seven years’ experience in notable landscape, botanic or garden projects, such experience to include people management

Understand large landscape design and implementation in theory and practice

Demonstrate extensive knowledge of plants, nomenclature, cultivation and suitability

Be able to interpret planting plans and propose possible adjustments based on personal knowledge

Have a good understanding of soil science

Show dynamic and engaging methods of inspiring colleagues to engage, be productive and develop their abilities

Demonstrate drive and determination to achieve objectives, willingness to meet challenges, versatile problem solving and proactive work planning

General

This role is based in the Isle of Man

This role is intended to be full-time and largely based outdoors

The successful candidate will need to have a full, clean driving licence as the role involves working at different sites on the Island