A driven and hands on Head Gardener is sought after to maintain and further develop the newly established gardens on a beautiful family run private estate located in East Lothian.

The stunning estate is set in 500 acres of woodland, farm land, private gardens and Walled Garden. The Formal gardens consists 6 ½ acre walled garden, 10 acres of lawn and a croquet lawn, kitchen garden, glasshouse, nursery beds, herbaceous and shrub borders, cut flower beds and fruit trees. 

The estate owners are looking for someone to really take ownership of the gardens and work closely with them and the estate team to achieve their vision. The successful candidate will take on the role of further developing the existing walled gardens to event standard and to create and maintain the private garden for the family to enjoy. The Head Gardener will work on their own developments in the garden such as the herbaceous and shrub borders, and an experienced landscape designer has also been retained to provide garden designs and plans which the Head Gardener will project manage and implement. 

A key responsibility of the Head Gardener will be growing fresh produce in the kitchen garden, propagation work and manage the greenhouse and nursery beds to provide the household with fruit, vegetables and cut flowers. Therefore, experience in the mentioned areas is essential. There is currently a full-time undergardener for which the Head Gardener will be responsible for and will have support from a full-time estate worker during the busy gardening seasons. The Head Gardener will need to be organised, able to plan and prioritise work load and maintain the garden to a high standard.

Applicants should ideally have a level 2 or 3 horticultural qualification plus at least 5 years gardening experience on a private estate. He / She will have excellent horticultural and plant knowledge as well as plant husbandry skills and experience with pest & disease control. PA1/PA6 spray certificates and chainsaw certificate would be an advantage however training could be provided if required. Other requirements for the role are good communications skills and ability to work alongside other staff and oversee contractors. He / She will have a flexible approach to work, be physically fit and willing to help out on the wider estate where necessary. They should be prepared to work outside in all weathers, have the determination and drive to get a job done and a have a vision for maintaining and enhancing the garden as required. Ability to operate a range of garden machinery and good craft skills are also required for the role.

The position is Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 17.00. Occasional weekend work will be required in the lead up to events for which time in lieu will be given. Due to the location of the Estate and limited access to public transport, the successful candidate should have a driving licence and own their own vehicle.