The Office of Public Works (OPW) has opened applications for Craft Gardener positions across a range of heritage sites nationwide. For trained horticulturists, this represents not only a prestigious career opportunity but also a chance to contribute to the stewardship of Ireland’s most historic landscapes.
The OPW’s Role in Heritage Horticulture
As one of the State’s key heritage bodies, the OPW manages over 750 sites spanning Ireland’s history—from prehistoric monuments to medieval castles, Georgian estates, and iconic public gardens. The role of Craft Gardener is central to the conservation, presentation, and development of these landscapes, ensuring that historic plant collections, formal gardens, and naturalistic settings are managed to the highest standards.
What the Craft Gardener Role Involves
The Craft Gardener position goes far beyond routine maintenance. Successful candidates will work within teams of skilled horticulturists, engaging in:
- Planting and maintenance of formal and informal landscapes, including plant collections, fruit and vegetable gardens, herbaceous borders, trees, and shrubberies.
- Propagation and collection management, including recording, labelling, and distribution of seeds and vegetative material.
- Conservation skills, such as arboriculture, pest and disease management, and sustainable soil and lawn care.
- Design and presentation, including layout preparation for beds, exhibitions, and public events.
- Supervision and training, supporting horticultural assistants, students, apprentices, and transition year placements.
- Public engagement, from guided tours and educational talks to liaising with contractors and visitors on site.
- The role also demands adaptability: from working with climate controls in glasshouses to delivering site security, managing contractors, and ensuring compliance with OPW’s Health & Safety frameworks.
Eligibility and Skills
To apply, candidates must hold a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture (Level 7 or equivalent) and have at least one year’s post-qualification horticultural experience. Experience with plant collections and historic landscapes is particularly desirable.
Additional requirements include:
- A full, clean driving licence (manual transmission).
- Strong knowledge of horticulture, plant types, biodiversity, and environmental safeguarding.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including weekends and public holidays.
- The OPW is seeking professionals who combine technical horticultural expertise with leadership, communication, and public-facing skills—all essential in delivering world-class visitor experiences while safeguarding heritage landscapes.
A Career in Living Heritage
For horticulturists with a passion for history, biodiversity, and landscape design, the OPW Craft Gardener role offers a rare blend of hands-on horticulture, heritage stewardship, and public engagement. It is an opportunity to shape some of Ireland’s most iconic gardens for future generations while working as part of a respected State organisation.
Closing Date for Applications: 5:30pm, Thursday 28th August 2025
Apply here: https://horticulture.jobs/job/1337/craft-gardener/
Please note that the closing date for Chargehand (Head) Craft Gardener is 5:30 pm Tuesday, 30th September 2025
Apply here: https://horticulture.jobs/job/1338/chargehand-head-craft-gardener/
