Assistant Gardener
A very attractive vacancy has arisen for an Assistant Gardener to join a small, friendly and supportive team on a private estate in West Oxfordshire. This position would suit an experienced gardener with good physical fitness and a genuine passion for horticulture and private estate gardening. This position is offered with a three-bedroom house (rent and Council Tax free) in addition to the stated salary.
This privately-owned mature and traditional English country garden encompasses approximately 20-acres in total including 12-acres of ancient woodland with a natural stream. The formal gardens comprise lawns, mixed herbaceous borders, fruit trees, roses and climbers, hedges, mature trees and ponds. A further 7-acres is dedicated to orchard and informal grass areas. The property has a large glasshouse and potting shed which is primarily used for propagation of flowers.
Reporting to the Head Gardener, the successful candidate will assist in the overall maintenance and development of the garden on a full-time basis. Good plant knowledge is required, as is an ability to demonstrate skills such as plant propagation, specialist pruning (especially roses and climbers) and herbaceous border management. Experience in the operation of a range of garden machinery is essential, and an ability to carry out basic maintenance of the machinery, beneficial. Good time management skills are required as is an ability to take clear and supportive direction from the Head Gardener. Applicants must have a willingness to develop their skills and knowledge and must be happy to work within a team as well as on their own when required.
A horticultural qualification such as RHS level 2 or equivalent, PA1/6 spray certificates and competence/certification in chainsaw operation are desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided to the right candidate. Applicants with basic hard landscaping skills (as well as good horticultural skills) are encouraged to apply, though the former are not essential. Hours of work are 08:00 – 16:30, Monday to Friday.
In addition to the stated salary, a modern three-bedroom house is provided with the role. The accommodation is located approximately one mile away from the estate and comes rent free, however the successful applicant will be liable for their own utility bills and Council Tax. Applicants must possess a full UK driving licence and their own transport for the commute to the estate. A full DBS check will be carried out on the successful applicant prior to commencement of employment if a current cleared check is not held. A probationary period of three months will apply.
SALARY: £18,200 + Accommodation
LOCATION: Abingdon, Oxfordshire
JOB No: EC8622
If this Assistant Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
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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.
