Assistant Gardener
An excellent career development opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Gardener to join a small team on a large privately-owned estate near Northampton. The award-winning gardens are open to the public throughout the summer months and are maintained to a high standard at all times. This is a rare opportunity for someone early in their career to learn and develop under a talented Head Gardener on a wonderful and diverse private estate.
The formal and ‘wild’ gardens located adjacent to the main house extend to approximately 13-acres and have been developed over the course of the last century by three generations of the same family, in association with several distinguished landscape designers. The gardens comprise a series of ‘rooms’ separated by mature yew hedges and walls which enclose large herbaceous borders, formal ponds, statuary and a fine collection of mature trees and shrubs. An additional less formal garden is set on the banks of a meandering stream.
Under the guidance of the Head Gardener, the Assistant Gardener and will work with the gardening team to help deliver the development and improvement of the gardens on a year-round basis. General day-to-day duties will include garden maintenance, helping with glasshouse and polytunnel operations, help with the management of herbaceous borders, seasonal bedding and containers, pruning, spraying, assisting with routine garden machinery maintenance and checks and ensuring sheds and glasshouses are kept clean and tidy. The successful candidate will be required to help when the gardens are open to the public, mainly during the summer months, and will be willing to undertake other duties including but not limited to liaising with other estate departments, outside contractors, and helping to look after dogs.
Although applicants for this opportunity will ideally hold an academic horticultural qualification, this is a genuine opportunity for those with gardening experience and a clear passion for what they do, perhaps at an early stage in their career, to develop their skills under a very knowledgeable Head Gardener. Applicants must have demonstrable practical experience to be considered. PA1 and PA6 spraying qualifications would be helpful but are not essential at this stage. Importantly, applicants must be always approachable and friendly towards colleagues and visitors, must be well organised and self-motivated, keen to learn, confident working at heights and comfortable working around dogs. A willingness to work hard and to learn will be the key to success in this position.
This position offers an excellent opportunity to work within the celebrated gardens of a fabulous historic estate, within a close-knit team under a talented Head Gardener, and for owners who are genuinely passionate about their gardens.
The role is offered with accommodation on site, rent and rates free. A partner, children and a pet are welcome though this will be at the discretion of the employer. A cleared DBS check will be required of the successful candidate.
SALARY: £20,000 – £25,000 + Accommodation
LOCATION: Northampton
JOB No: EC25754
If this Assistant Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
You will need to be registered with English Country Gardeners 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 Assistant 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 Assistant Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
