Head Gardener
A remarkable opportunity has arisen for a diligent and highly skilled Head Gardener to join a large country estate near Henley-on-Thames, to manage and maintain an area of outstanding natural beauty and historic importance. The gardens and leisure grounds total approximately 40 acres and surround a grade-II listed Georgian house. This role gives the individual a chance to become a vital part of a wider, established team of staff across the estate.
The formal English garden of the 18th century is a very specialised area of horticulture and as such, experience within this field is essential for the position. Along with the formal gardens there is a beautiful walled garden, productive kitchen garden with a potting shed, and a glasshouse for storing a large range of houseplants. Additionally, there are some exceptional features such as the maze, croquet lawn and spectacular rock garden which make this a truly unique opportunity. The role will also include the upkeep of the wildflower meadow and cottage gardens across the estate.
The Head Gardener will be responsible for leading and motivating a team of 6, including a Deputy Head Gardener, to ensure high horticultural standards are maintained throughout the gardens all year round. They will be extremely well versed in the seasonal requirements of an estate garden, with a broad skill set and excellent plant knowledge, inclusive of indoor house plants. This is a physical role, and the Head Gardener is expected to be extremely hands-on and proactive.
Applicants should have proven management skills with the capability to inspire a team, and therefore excellent communication skills at all levels are crucial to be successful in this role. Additionally, a solid understanding of health and safety practices is required, and chainsaw and spraying certificates would be advantageous. Candidates must have the ability to use a wide range of garden machinery and equipment and hold a full, clean driving license, as there is a works van to be used on site.
There is a spacious 2-bedroom cottage available with the role for which a service charge will apply, and partners, children and pets are welcome. The working hours for this position are seasonal and there will be an expectation to work one weekend in six with some flexibility for overtime if required. The holiday allowance for this position is 28 days, which can include public holidays. A DBS check will be required for the position, as well as a confidentiality agreement.
SALARY: £45,000 – £55,000 DOE
LOCATION: Henley-on-Thames, South Oxfordshire
JOB No: EC67134
If this Head Gardener is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below or contact Jess Parrett on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
To apply for this role you will need a Candidate Registration.
To find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
