Viticulturist
A rare opportunity has arisen for a Viticulturist to join a small and close-knit team within a stunning, historic estate near Guilford, with origins dating back to William the Conqueror. The owners are now seeking an individual to assist in the maintenance and development of the 10-acre vineyard, but also work within with the gardens of the wider estate.
Implemented in 2013 with the planting of over 11,000 vines, the Vineyard encompasses 10-acres of south easterly sloping surrey hills and is comprised of 3 varieties; Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The naturally fertile sandy loam creates perfect conditions for the flourishing Vines, which has since transformed into 3 main offerings a Rosè, Brut and a Brut Rosè, which are produced by a local wine maker.
The successful candidate will oversee the continued maintenance of the Vineyard, working closely with the Vineyard Manager and owners, who are very much involved in both the vineyard and gardens. The role will include duties such as annual winter pruning, assisting in frost protection and the maintenance of the recently implemented frost prevention system. Management of the vine canopy, such as tucking shoots, operation of the fertigation system, leaf removal, monitoring pests and diseases and leaf sampling for analysis. Additionally, this role will involve a large amount of tractor and machinery usage including mowing rows and headlands with a mounted flail mower, vine trimming with mounted trimmer and under vine cultivation with a mechanical hoe. The Viticulturist will also be responsible for the maintenance of the vine trellising throughout the seasons. Any training required in vineyard related equipment will be provided where required.
In addition to the Vineyard, the successful candidate will also be required to assist with the maintenance of the formal gardens throughout the year, working alongside a small, close-knit team. The gardens feature a combination of original features implemented in the 17th and early 18th century and has been allowed to develop organically over time, with the exception of the more recently implemented Japanese Garden, to compliment the 13th century stew ponds. The large formal gardens feature a large variety of woodland planting, densely planted beds and borders which feature a variety of planting including climbers and roses, extensive box and yew topiary, large amounts of wisteria, large formal lawns and a large terraced walled garden, which features fruit trees, box parterres and ball topiary alongside further formal lawns.
Candidates will hold a good horticultural skillset in order to maintain and develop the picturesque gardens. Duties will include planting, pruning, deadheading, feeding, and training of a variety of planting including perennials, shrubs, roses and climbers as well as specialist pruning and maintaining of the fruit trees (apples, pears, quinces and figs). Knowledge of lawn maintenance to a high standard is advantageous, such as the use of ride on mowers, self-propelled and pedestrian mowers, as well as scarifying, aerating, and feeding.
Applicants must have demonstrable experience in a similar private estate setting, while demonstrating a positive, hardworking attitude in order to fit in to the existing team seamlessly, who have a strong relationship with the owners. A relevant horticultural qualification is desirable but not essential, with tickets such as PA1/PA6, tractor usage and chainsaw certificates would be advantageous, but again not essential with the opportunity for training to be provided for the successful candidate.
SALARY: Up to £35,000
LOCATION: Surrey
JOB No: EC58917
If this Viticulturist vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Tom Little on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Viticulturist 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 Viticulturist vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
