Head Gardener at Naro Moru River Lodge

 Key Responsibilities

Gardens & Landscape Management

• Oversee the maintenance and development of all gardens, lawns, planted areas, pathways and landscaped guest areas.
• Maintain nurseries for propagation of suitable plants, trees, herbs and other crops.
• Develop seasonal planting and landscape improvement plans.
• Maintain high standards of presentation across all guest-facing areas.
• Ensure responsible use of organic fertilizers, pesticides, water and other garden inputs.

Farm & Farm-to-Table Development

• Develop and implement a long-term vision for the lodge’s farm and food-production programme.
• Work closely with the Chef to align farm production with kitchen requirements and consumption patterns.
• Develop crop calendars, planting schedules and production forecasts.
• Monitor farm yields, utilization, wastage and potential cost savings.
• Develop opportunities for the lodge to produce its own value-added products.

Water Management & Grey-Water Systems

• Oversee efficient use of water within gardens and agricultural areas.
• Develop and maintain appropriate water efficient irrigation systems for the gardens and farm.
• Identify opportunities for rainwater harvesting, its storage and water reuse.
• Manage and optimise the safe reuse of treated grey water for appropriate landscaping and agricultural applications.
• Monitor water consumption and identify opportunities for reduction.
• Work with Maintenance and Management to improve the lodge’s overall water-management systems.

Sustainability & Eco-Rating

• Identify and implement practical initiatives that improve the lodge’s environmental performance and eco-rating.
• Develop systems for composting kitchen and garden waste.
• Develop indigenous tree-planting and habitat restoration initiatives.
• Identify clear waste segregation procedures.
• Keep abreast of relevant sustainable hospitality, agricultural and ecological practices and recommend improvements to Management.

Biodiversity & Naturalist Activities

• Develop the lodge’s gardens and grounds as a habitat for birds, butterflies, pollinators and other wildlife.
• Identify and protect indigenous plant species and areas of ecological importance.
• Encourage environmental awareness among staff and guests.

Team Leadership & Operations

• Supervise, train and develop the gardens and farm team.
• Prepare daily, weekly and seasonal work plans.
• Allocate duties and monitor completion and quality of work.
• Manage casual labour requirements responsibly.
• Maintain appropriate records of farm production, garden inputs, equipment and other relevant activities.
• Control departmental costs and minimise unnecessary wastage.
• Ensure all tools, equipment and facilities are properly maintained.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Housekeeping, Kitchen and Operations departments where responsibilities overlap.

Wellness & Natural Experiences

• Develop gardens and natural spaces that support wellness, relaxation and connection with nature.
• Introduce suitable aromatic, medicinal and edible plants that can support wellness, culinary and guest experiences.
• Identify opportunities to incorporate the gardens, farm and natural environment into wellness activities and guest experiences.
• Work with the wellness, kitchen and operations teams to develop nature-based experiences using locally grown herbs, plants and other natural products.
• Maintain peaceful, attractive and restorative outdoor spaces around guest and wellness areas.

 Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years’ relevant practical experience.
• Demonstrable experience managing gardens, farms, landscaping or ecological projects.
• Strong practical knowledge of horticulture, irrigation, soil management and plant propagation.
• Working knowledge of sustainable agriculture and farm management.
• Understanding of grey-water reuse, water conservation and environmentally responsible irrigation.
• Good understanding of composting, organic waste management and natural pest-control methods.
• Ability to supervise and develop a team.