This is a part-time position, 3 days per week. INTRODUCTION Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum and Gardens (JCEMG) is a beautiful heritage property on 120 acres in Wexford which offers visitors access to a 3 in 1 attraction, including the Gothic revival Johnstown Castle with adjoining Servants Tunnel, the Irish Agricultural Museum and the famous Daniel Robertson Ornamental Gardens. The site also features a Visitor Centre which includes a retail space and a 120 seat Café. JCEMG is operated by the Irish Heritage Trust, an independent not for profit that works to build financially resilient and sustainable heritage properties through a combination of strategies, including commercial activities, membership, volunteering and strategic partnerships. This is necessary to ensure that heritage properties like Johnstown Castle and its surrounding gardens and lakes can be supported, conserved and developed over the longer term for the benefit of the wider community. JOB SUMMARY: This position is an excellent opportunity to join a growing team with an enthusiastic Head Gardener, and a small team of volunteers. Johnstown Castle Estate and Gardens comprises of a 4-acre walled garden, three large lakes, arboretum and extensive native woodland. The areas of gardening work include herbaceous borders, native woodland conservation, plant propagation, orchard and trained fruit, organic methods of gardening, ancient trees, garden restoration work, forest gardening, as well as working with garden machinery such as wood-chippers and leaf blowers. The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience in a range of horticultural areas, a desire to expand their skills range and the energy and drive to work in a small team with a varied workload required to maintain an estate of this size. Typical duties will include: General garden maintenance and management of all planting including specialist horticultural areas e.g. weeding, mulching, staking, deadheading Seasonal planting including bulbs, trees, etc. Pruning and renovation of trees and topiary Assisting with greenhouse management and maintenance Control of weeds through organic means Assisting with composting and waste disposal Pest and disease control through organic methods Maintenance of houseplants Seasonal clearing of leaves, drains. etc. Harvesting and processing of fruit and vegetables Management of habitats for biodiversity & rare species Grounds maintenance e.g. turf care, hedge trimming, clearing paths Woodland work e.g. coppicing, removal of invasive species Assist with end-of-day clearing site of visitors and locking up of premises. Assist with checking and emptying of refuse bins around the grounds. Candidate Criteria: A minimum of 2 years experience working in a gardening position with practical experience of plant propagation and plant sales Diploma level qualification in Horticulture is required Excellent plant knowledge with a demonstrable range of horticultural skills Practical experience in organic gardening Ability to work independently Good verbal and written communication skills Desirable: Full clean driving licence, Category W for driving tractors Experience working with the public and working with volunteers An interest in garden history Experience of tool care and the safe operation of common garden machinery Skills: Horticulture Skills Plant Propagation Plant Sales Organic Gardening Benefits: Pension Plan Employee Assistance Programme Death in Service Staff Discount
