Groundsperson
An exciting opportunity has become available for a self-motivated and hands on Groundsperson to work within a small team on a stunning 250-acre private country estate based in Surrey. This opportunity would suit an enthusiastic, self-motivated, friendly and well-presented individual, with good communication skills, and who is happy to work with the team or alone.
The estate is set across two areas, the gardens surrounding the main house consists of a 3-acre lake, kitchen garden that provide the house with fruit and vegetables, fruit trees, ornamental walled garden with folly and different seating areas which are regularly enjoyed. There are two greenhouses attached; a lean-to greenhouse and a nectarine house on the opposite side used to grow citrus trees. Up to about 6 acres around the main house is fenced in to protect the garden from deer and rabbits. Wisteria was brought in from Italy a few years back and has grown incredibly well creating a beautiful effect. Other areas include a pergola walk, several water features, herbaceous borders flanking the canal shaped lily pond, shrub borders and pots with bougainvillea and various plants. The house is perched on the top of a hill with expansive views to one side and a pinetum with large conifers and a variety of mature trees.
The gardens are continuously evolving, and the new owners are keen on conservation with the outer areas of the estate becoming increasingly important with time. Where the gardens were originally laid out in the early 2000 as more formal, the owners now are creating a more nature balanced environment, encouraging biodiversity and attracting birds such as ducks and geese to the ponds and bees by growing lush lawns and creating wildflower areas.
The Groundsperson will work as part of a team across the whole estate, reporting into their knowledgeable and longstanding Head Gardener. Duties will include mowing, stimming, hedge cutting, fencing, track maintenance, woodland maintenance (chainsaw use), and general maintenance of gardens and grounds around the buildings. Additional skills such as carpentry and general handy man jobs would be welcomed but not essential.
Applicants must have proven practical experience in grounds and estate work with a high-level attention to detail, a good understanding of safe working practices, chainsaw certificates and experience with garden machinery including hedge cutters, ride on and walk behind mowers and compact tractors with the attachments like flails and toppers. Experience with full size tractor with a loader, JCB / excavator and ATV would be advantageous. Certificates are required but training can be provided. A full UK driving licence is essential due to the rural location of the property and on offer, references and a clear CRB check is required.
A competitive salary is provided with the role as well as 23 days holiday plus bank holidays and discretionary bonuses. Working hours are 07:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday, with one hour each day for breaks and all staff are required to adhere to the no smoking policy on site.
LOCATION: Surrey
SALARY: £30,000 – £35,000 DOE
JOB No: EC61452
If this Groundsperson vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Groundsperson 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 vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
