Parks, Landscape and Ecology Manager

Shape the Future of Great Yarmouth’s Green Spaces

Are you passionate about transforming landscapes and championing sustainability? Great Yarmouth Borough Council is seeking an ambitious and visionary Parks, Landscape and Ecology Manager to lead the stewardship and renewal of our cherished parks, gardens, and open spaces—including iconic sites like the Winter Gardens, St George’s Park, and the historic Roman Forts.

About the Role

This pivotal role will drive the modernisation and management of Great Yarmouth’s natural and built green places, ensuring they remain vibrant community assets and inviting destinations for residents and visitors alike. You’ll oversee the creation and delivery of innovative horticultural strategies, lead the development of a state-of-the-art growing facility, and cultivate strategic partnerships to support landscape excellence and sustainable regeneration.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive landscape, horticulture, and ecology strategies for the Borough’s parks and open spaces.
• Lead design and development initiatives to enhance the amenity and ecological value of green spaces.
• Oversee the establishment and operation of a commercial growing facility, supporting both site needs and revenue generation.
• Expand community engagement and recruit a dedicated volunteer network.
• Identify and secure funding streams to support innovative improvements.
• Uphold high standards of display horticulture in tourist landscapes.
• Enhance biodiversity and social value across council-managed landscapes.
• Manage contracts, budgets, and stakeholder relationships.
• Lead and inspire a team of horticulture professionals.

About You

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Extensive experience in horticulture or landscaping, ideally within tourism, heritage, or conservation.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Expertise in developing and delivering strategic action plans.
• Successful track record in funding bids and commercial growing operations.
• Strong contract and budget management skills.
• Commitment to conservation and biodiversity enhancement.
• Advanced diploma or degree in horticulture, applied ecology, or conservation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable:

• Volunteer recruitment and retention experience.
• Awards or recognition in the field.
• Experience with glass houses, NLHF projects, or local government.
• Landscape design or biodiversity qualifications.

Personal Qualities:

• Resilience, integrity, and fairness.
• Political astuteness and constructive challenge.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to change.

Additional Requirements

• Basic DBS check.
• Ability to undertake site and home visits.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather and occasionally during evenings/weekends.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council has the goal to achieve excellence for the Borough. We don’t just say we are ambitious; we mean it. We are always looking at the ways in which we can improve and be the best that we can, providing the best for the people who live, work, visit and operate businesses in the Borough.

We have big plans for the future and massive opportunities ahead. We are one of the most successful enterprise zones in the country, Great Yarmouth is England’s offshore energy hub and Norfolk’s biggest seaside resort at the edge of the Broads National Park. The challenges we face in the borough are wide, but our commitment to achieving more has never been so focused.

We know that our team members are our most valuable asset, working hard to achieve our short and long term goals. Find out more about the people who work with us, and if you are as ambitious as we are, apply now and be part of our team.

We offer a range of exciting benefits as an employer and are committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment and the services we provide.

There is more information on the Jobs page of the Great Yarmouth Borough Website, with details of how to apply and the recruitment process. You will also be able to find more details regarding DBS checks (if relevant for the job role), Right to Work checks, along with details of our values and behaviours, agile working and our Privacy Notice.