Senior Gardener
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Senior Gardener to play a key role in the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of a beautiful private estate in Gloucestershire. The role will involve day-to-day hands-on leadership and supervision of a team of skilled gardeners in all aspects of the horticulturally diverse garden. The successful candidate will need to work with the property owners and garden designers to enhance and develop the garden on an ongoing basis. This role will suit a horticulturist with strong experience at senior level within private service, strong time management skills, excellent horticultural knowledge and desire to take on a dynamic garden on a collaborative basis.
The Senior Gardener will oversee the small team and be the sole point of contact to the property owner and consultant garden designer, Tom Stuart-Smith. Applicants must therefore be excellent communicators and be able to manage gardeners with diplomacy, whilst maintaining consideration for the designer and property owner’s involvement and ongoing contribution. Successful collaboration here is of paramount importance as the creative input from all parties has ensured the garden’s high standards to date and must continue to do so. The property owners are genuinely enthusiastic and dedicated to their gardens and as such, this role will be varied and interesting with a high standard of horticulture required at all times. The garden is not open to the public.
The densely planted 9-acre formal garden lies within approximately 50-acres in total. The garden has undergone major improvement works including a new design for the historic walled and wider garden areas by Tom Stuart-Smith, and the ongoing development of a productive garden and flower cutting area with Sarah Raven. Whilst the garden is under development, resources will continue to be re-evaluated as the remit of the garden continues to change.
Set within a stunning landscape, the garden includes the walled garden comprising productive and ornamental areas and a restored glasshouse. Around the house, there are beautifully planted compartmentalised spaces with perennials, shrubs, roses and wonderful views. Beyond the house a woodland garden leads to parkland.
Applications are sought from experienced and knowledgeable private estate Senior/Head Gardeners who will have assumed responsibility of a large private garden and garden staff management previously.
The successful candidate will be used to handling dynamic environments with some pressure at times, will be adept at problem solving and will enjoy rising to and managing challenges alongside a talented team. Suitable candidates will be confident yet humble and considerate, motivated, organised and professional hands-on gardeners who are able to inspire their team. The post holder will be socially confident with excellent communication skills and an ability and willingness to liaise with other property staff and engage positively with the owners and designers. Good organisational experience with a very good general understanding of all areas of gardening including of perennials, roses, flower cutting and edible production are necessary in addition to lawn care and the operation and basic maintenance of garden machinery. Whilst specialist support may be recruited to help support the productive areas, the Senior Gardener must have a good general understanding of kitchen gardening. Applicants must be able to demonstrate an ability to attain consistently high standards of horticultural management and presentation within a private estate setting.
A generous salary is offered for the ideal candidate in addition to a prestigious two-bedroom cottage close to the estate.
SALARY: £35,000 DOE + Accommodation
LOCATION: Gloucestershire
JOB No: EC21731
If this Senior Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Senior Gardener 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 Senior Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
