Cambridge American Cemetery is the only World War II American Cemetery in the United Kingdom, we are part of the American Battle Monuments Commission and we are seeking a Lead Gardener to join our Grounds Keeping team at this Heritage Site.
Lead Gardener, Cambridge American Cemetery, American Battle Monuments Commission
Basic Function:
The Lead Gardener serves as a Team Supervisor under the direction of the site Operations and Technical Manager (OTM) at the cemetery, supervising the performance of the work carried out by the gardening team, while participating in the performance of the work as needed: coordination and planning of staff activity, management of stocks, equipment, quality of maintenance, and reporting of activity to the Operations and Technical Manager (OTM).
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Serves as a field supervisor, collaborating closely with the team in the supervision and leadership of greenspace duties. Actively participates in the management of the site:
- Assigns tasks, provides technical advice, and ensures that gardeners satisfactorily complete the full range of assigned work.
- Monitors work in progress of employees and subcontractors – assists to control the flow of operations.
- Inspects the quality of finished work and ensures it conforms to technical requirements and ABMC expectations.
- Organises and plans the work of the assigned team. Reorganises the team’s work schedules if necessary. Implements corrective actions as required.
- Maintains morale and manages disputes within assigned team. Refers recommendations for discipline to OTM, as necessary.
- Identify areas in which the personnel could benefit from additional training to improve the safety and quality of the work (e.g., pruning, safety, specialised equipment, etc.)
- Ensures good safety and posture practices are followed by team members – assists in ensuring required training for assigned team are completed on schedule, including Occupational Health and Safety, fire safety, first aid, etc.
- Ensures proper use of the equipment and respects the safety and security rules on the site.
- Ensures the cleanliness of the site.
- Assists the OTM in recruiting for vacant positions.
- May be required to maintain and program the irrigation system or other equipment.
- May assist in soliciting and obtaining quotes for purchases and contract work.
- May be required to perform other tasks as needed.
Qualifications Required for Effective Performance
Education / Training
- Vocational certificate in Horticulture/Greenspace or equivalent experience is required.
- Full UK Driving Licence
Prior Work Experience
- 3 to 5 years’ experience in greenspace maintenance required.
- 3 to 5 years’ experience supervising a team is desired.
Post Entry Training
- First aid at work certificate.
- Training in work site safety movements and working techniques (dorsal belt and knee pad) and wearing of PPE.
- Certifications and training on lifts, DOFF steam system, other systems made available in accordance with duties.
Language Proficiency
- Speaking, reading, and writing in English.
- For non-native English speakers, level 4 (ILR scale) or C1 (CEFR scale) is required.
Knowledge
- Comprehensive knowledge of horticultural work techniques and procedures, including plant development and maintenance (water/fertilizer needs, pruning techniques, etc.)
- Good knowledge of preservation, installation, and care of flowers, plants, turf, bedding materials, etc.
- Excellent knowledge of phytosanitary, bio stimulant, and fertilizer products and their use.
- Awareness of the risks associated with the profession.
- Knowledge of the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Knowledge of safety techniques and movements.
Abilities and Skills
- Ability to use all the tools and machinery used to perform greenspace work at the site.
- Ability to adjust tools and equipment and maintain their working order.
- Ability to manage a team and plan and organize work according to weather conditions.
- Ability to work with precision and thoroughness.
- Ability to identify a situation presenting a risk or a deviation and correct it.
- Ability to use computers to generate reports and program the irrigation system.
- Ability to negotiate prices and obtain quotes for services.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and maps.
- Ability to manage time and prioritize work assignments.
Position Elements
Supervision Received
- Supervision is provided by the OTM.
- The Lead Gardener takes specific work assignments from the OTM, develops an operational plan to accomplish the work, and independently leads a group of 5-7 gardeners and other team members to accomplish assigned work and projects.
- Work is generally evaluated on overall effectiveness and the meeting of assigned objectives.
Available Guidelines
- Guidelines include standard reference materials, product data sheets, service manuals, maps, planting plans, bulletins, and ABMC standards.
Exercise of Judgement
- Uses independent judgment to carry out the directions of the OTM and to resolve common or routine issues.
- The OTM is available to give advice on new or unfamiliar assignments.
Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts
- Maintains daily contact with cemetery staff (gardeners, mechanic, masons), as well as contractors, and visitors (during site events such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, etc.), in order to obtain, provide, or exchange information regarding projects, and to execute project activities.
Supervision Exercised
- Supervises the work of small team of 5-7 gardeners and other team members.
- May serve as the OTM in the regular OTM’s absence.
Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties after Entry into this Position
2 years.
Work environment
- The work environment is outdoors but may require occasional work from an office desk and workspace.
- Incumbent is routinely subject to weather (dryness, heat, humidity, wind, cold, snow) and risks including chemicals, noise, vibrations, falls from height and same-level falls, insect bites, burns, cuts, limb crushing, ocular discomfort, and allergies.
- Incumbent is subjected to repetitive work and awkward postures and is required to carry heavy loads up to 25 kgs.
Generous holiday allowance is given including the American Bank Holidays, English Bank Holidays, Pension Scheme, Private Health Care, and a competitive salary.
Please provide your CV and a covering letter by email to [email protected] explaining why you think you would be the right candidate to join our team.
Successful applicants will be subject to a US Embassy full security background check.
Closing date – 7 September 2026
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Pay: From £37,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
