Vacancy Details

Folkestone & Hythe is a vibrant, connected and energetic district situated on Kent’s south coast and under an hour away from London via High-Speed rail. Ranked in the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in the UK, and in Lonely Planet as one of the best places to visit in the world, Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit. 

You can expect an excellent benefits package at Folkestone & Hythe District Council that includes corporate membership, discount and salary sacrifice schemes, reimbursement of professional membership fees, up to 31 days holiday and Christmas closure, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, and much, much more.

About the role 

We are currently looking for a motivated individual to lead the Hawkinge Cemetery team to undertake and oversee FHDC’s burial obligations, whilst managing the grounds maintenance activities within the cemeteries and closed churchyards located within the district.

As Head Gardener, you will need to ensure the high standards associated with the Grounds Maintenance section are achieved by way of best practice and industry standards. This includes short term planning, allocation of personnel, materials and equipment to various sites and to maintain efficient progress on all works undertaken, ensuring all documentation is maintained with regard to COSHH, Health & Safety, vehicles, personnel and legal requirements. The post holder will also assist all Grounds Maintenance Managers with service provision including meeting deadlines and liaison with stakeholders, volunteers, contractors and other FHDC departments.

The successful candidate will need to possess:

• Full driving licence
• Experience / sound knowledge relating to burial processes and cemetery regulations
• Experience in all manner of soft landscaping, shrub bed maintenance, annual flower bed maintenance, herbaceous borders, hedge cutting etc.
• Experience and knowledge of all elements of machinery operation relating to grounds maintenance
• Excellent understanding of relevant health and safety legislation applicable to the role
• Experience of managing a team or working in a supervisory role
• Excellent communication skills
• Calm and professional approach to challenging situations

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity and would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Mark Chapman (Technical Services Manager) on 07966 847976 or by email: mark.chapman@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk

The closing date for receipt of all completed application forms is 9.00am on Monday 23rd March 2026.

The selection process will take place on Tuesday 31^st March 2026.

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided below. Please note that we do not accept CV's without a fully completed application form.