Head Gardener

About the job

Key information

• Salary: The salary is £31,263 fte
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Start Date: October 2026

What will I be doing?

Come and do your life’s best work and help us create something extraordinary.

This isn’t just another gardening job.

This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to take a blank canvas and transform it into one of Somerset’s most exciting outdoor projects.

Young Somerset is creating a brand-new farm near Wincanton that will change the lives of children and young people for generations to come. We’re looking for an exceptional Head Gardener with the vision, passion and practical expertise to lead this project from its very first seed to a thriving, productive and inspiring outdoor learning environment. The role combines horticultural leadership with education, wellbeing and community engagement, supporting young people to learn, grow and thrive through nature.

Over the coming years you’ll shape every aspect of the site from designing growing spaces, establishing orchards, vegetable gardens and wildlife habitats, developing volunteering opportunities and creating an environment where young people gain confidence, practical skills and brighter futures. This is a long-term opportunity to build a lasting legacy based on regenerative principles.

About Young Somerset Farm

Young Somerset Farm will become far more than a place to grow food. It will be a unique space where young people reconnect with nature, improve their mental health, develop employability skills and participate in alternative education through hands-on learning. Young people won’t simply visit the farm, they’ll help build it, shape it and become part of its future.

Working alongside Youth Workers, Mental Health teams, volunteers and community partners, you’ll help create an environment that delivers genuine social impact while producing high-quality fruit, vegetables, flowers and other produce.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We’re looking for someone who will…

• Turn vision into reality by developing our new farm over the coming years.
• Lead the design and development of productive gardens, orchards, growing areas and wildlife spaces.
• Inspire children, young people and volunteers through practical horticulture.
• Build strong partnerships across the local community.
• Develop enterprise opportunities through produce, flowers and seasonal products.
• Champion sustainable and regenerative growing techniques.

You’ll be a perfect fit if you…

• Have significant horticultural or garden management experience.
• Love creating beautiful, productive outdoor spaces.
• Enjoy working with people as much as plants.
• Can inspire others with your enthusiasm and knowledge.
• Have the imagination to build something from the ground up.
• Believe that nature can transform lives.

What is in it for me?

Every day at Young Somerset is about creating brighter futures for children and young people.

This role gives you the rare chance to combine your professional expertise with genuine social purpose. You’ll leave a legacy—not just in the spaces you create, but in the confidence, wellbeing and aspirations of the hundreds of young people who will benefit from this extraordinary project over many years to come. The farm has been designed to become a long-term educational, community and environmental asset serving young people across South Somerset.

Holiday entitlement is 27 days, plus 8  Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time staff), with an additional 5 days after 5 years service (pro rata for part time staff)

DBS check

This role is subject to a enhanced DBS check.

Supporting documents and information

If you’ve ever wanted to build something truly special from the ground up, this is your opportunity.

Closing Date: 26 August 2026

Interview Date/s: 07 September 2026 Location TBC

To apply, complete the YS Application Form and YS Disability Questionnaire and email to people@youngsomerset.org.uk.

We reserve the rights to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found so would encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience.

To discover more about working for Young Somerset, go here

Apply on the Young Somerset website

Apply now