Craft Gardener

The successful candidate will join the Lismore Castle Gardens Team and assist in the daily operations of the gardens and the greater estate. This role is best suited to a creative, hard-working, enthusiastic individual who wishes to pursue a career as a gardener. A keen interest in plants and innovative horticultural techniques is essential.

Reports to: Head Gardener

Start Date: May 2026

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Delivery of a high standard of horticulture and horticultural practices, and have good plant knowledge
• Assist in the day-to-day maintenance and development of Lismore gardens, including: management of soil, trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants; turf care; pest & disease control; weed control; compost; path care, plant propagation and irrigation.
• To assist with the horticultural programme and help develop specific areas and projects within the garden.
• Be able to work as part of a team or independently on tasks set by the Head Gardener or Gardens Supervisor.
• Practical floristry skills, including harvesting, conditioning, and artistic arrangement.
• To work in a safe manner in accordance with the company's health and safety policy at all times.
• To communicate and assist with requests from the public and castle guests.
• To work weekend duties when required.
• To undergo training as and when required to enable the fulfilment and development of the role.
• To operate and maintain garden machinery and tools.
• Current ambitions include environmental best practice, biodiversity, horticultural excellence, continually innovating and increasing our commercial offering, for which a commercial understanding or background will be beneficial.
• Assist in the management of trainees and students.
• Assist cross-departmental teams

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Minimum QQI Level 6 Horticultural qualification or equivalent, and at least 1 year of practical horticultural experience.
• Ability to work within a team in all- weather conditions.
• Ability to follow instructions with excellent attention to detail.
• Competent DIY and machine operating skills. (Chainsaw licence desirable).
• Relevant pesticide qualification PA1 & PA6 (desirable)
• Full Irish driver's licence (essential)
• Passionate about horticulture and sustainability.
• Be flexible in working hours in line with peaks and troughs of activity in the calendar year.
• Dynamic – ability to bring energy to the organisation
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels throughout the Organisation and its stakeholders
• Ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously

• Remuneration: €30k – €35k, based on your level of gardening experience
• Pension scheme
• Employee assistance programme

Our core values include “Being Inclusive”, and we particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates who are currently under-represented. We also welcome applicants from the LGBTQ+ community. Flexible ways of working will always be considered.

Please email CV and cover letter by Friday, 30 th April 2026 to or post to Head Gardener, Lismore Castle Gardens, Lismore, Waterford, P51 EY68