Groundsperson / Handyperson
A new vacancy has arisen on a spectacular private estate near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire for a Groundsperson / Handyperson. This position will suit an active, practical and capable person who is looking for a varied role working as part of a team on a country estate.
The majestic eighteenth-century house is surrounded by 80 acres of land including parkland and paddocks. The main gardens consist of various terraces with different planting schemes, formal bedding, rose borders surrounding the house and a walled kitchen garden with raised beds to grow a variety of fruit and vegetables as well as provides shelter to an area that exemplifies ornamental gardening through each of the four seasons. Great expanses of lawn, mature and young trees, lavender pathways, and ornamental planting all highlight the traditional English landscape.
The Groundsperson / Handyperson will assist the gardening team with basics gardening duties to include ride on mowing, hedge cutting, strimming, spraying, leaf blowing and helping cutting logs for the winter etc. Additional duties will involve maintenance of the paddocks including nettle control, woodland and parkland maintenance. A chainsaw certificate would be beneficial, although a course will be provided if necessary. There will also be a number of external general maintenance tasks including but not limited to repair and upkeep of fences, repair and upkeep of field shelters, tennis court maintenance, day to day swimming pool maintenance (external contractor employed for a monthly visit).
Additional duties will include but not limited to valeting cars, dealing with servicing and MOTs and ensuring cars are fuelled. Supervising any servicing and maintenance within the house e.g. outside contractors for plumbing, electrical etc, overseeing tradespeople and taking deliveries. There will be occasional driving of principals and guests and running occasional errands.
Whilst there is a full time animal carer for the 4 donkeys and 8 alpacas, the role of Groundsperson / Handyperson will require providing animal care on Saturdays and Sundays and will involve feeding and keeping their habitats clean. A genuine interest in animal welfare is required and full training will be provided.
Applicants should be flexible, energetic and cooperative in nature with a positive and friendly outlook. The owners try to be organic as possible in the garden, though chemicals are used in some areas and therefore some experience of chemical-free gardening methodologies would be helpful as well as spray certificates would be an advantage. Good physical fitness and an eye for detail are required, with an ability to work well within a team as well as alone where necessary.
The position is offered with a competitive salary of £25,000 – £30,000 p.a. based on experience and the role can be either live in or live out with a 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom cottage with stunning views available if required. Council tax and utility bills (water, electricity and broadband) are covered by the employer.
The full time position will require the candidate to work both Saturdays and Sundays with two days off during the week, although there may be some flexibility with length of hours worked over the weekend.
SALARY: Up to £25,000 – £30,000 DOE including accommodation.
LOCATION: Near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
JOB No: EC58965
If this Groundsperson / Handyperson vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Harriet Wells on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Groundsperson / Handyperson 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 Groundsperson / Handyperson vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
