The OPW is looking for a Head Craft Gardener to work on magical Garinish Island
It’s a dream role for the right person.
The Office of Public Works is seeking a Head Craft Gardener to work on Garinish Island, nestled into the sheltered coastal harbour at Glengarriff in Bantry Bay.
Also known as Ilnacullin; the island boasts an almost sub-tropical micro-climate, creating the ideal conditions for a variety of rare plants. It’s home to a unique garden of rare beauty packed with unique horticultural and architectural gems, including walled gardens, a formal Italianate garden and the ‘Happy Valley’.
With a starting wage of €729.54 per week, the Head Craft Gardener will be responsible for implementing projects and horticultural initiatives, ensuring that proper standards of workmanship, attendance and discipline are maintained, propagating vegetables and plants, plant-scaping and giving tours and lectures where necessary.
It’s a position that comes with a variety of special working conditions, including working alone, sometimes in inclement weather and sometimes near water or at heights, and travelling to work daily as a passenger on a small ferry boat.
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Candidates will need a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, Hetac Level 7, or equivalent; a minimum of two years’ horticultural experience as a Craft Gardener and a full, clean and current driving licence as well as their own transport. Experience of working with plant collections and designed historic landscapes is also desirable.
“The position will be a permanent Non-Established State Industrial post based on a 39-hour week (full-time).” the post explains.
“We are looking for someone dynamic with a flair for Southern Hemisphere plants and leading a team of garden staff on the restoration and rejuvenation of this world-famous garden and plant collection.”
Appointment to the position will be subject to the appointee satisfactorily meeting the OPW’s requirements with regard to heath, references and Garda vetting, and will be subject to a seven-month probation period which may be extended to 10 months.
Ready to pack your shears and shovels and head for Garinish Island? You can download an application form here.
