Estate Gardener – Vacancy

We are looking for a well-rounded horticulturalist to help further improve the grounds and gardens within a private Grade-1 listed Lutyens property

Other than being a professional who can comfortably take their hand to a range of horticultural disciplines, we would like to find somebody with a genuine interest and enthusiasm for herbaceous and seasonal ornamental displays. The ideal candidate will eventually be expected to take ownership of all floral displays proximate to the main house and within the walled-kitchen garden, as well as cut-flower production. The gardens and grounds comprise a gentle mixture of formal and informal design styles and are managed in an ecologically sensitive manner.

Responsibilities:

• Take ownership and improve the established ornamental herbaceous displays close to the house and within the walled kitchen garden, supplemented by seasonal annual production
• Provide the house with seasonal cut-flowers generated through perennial and annual schemes via a dedicated space within the walled kitchen garden
• Manage and maintain the permanent container displays around the property utilising at least a 3-season display turn-around
• Aid other gardening and house staff in a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

o General help in the walled kitchen garden (such as the watering, harvesting and processing of produce)

o Occasional lawncare duties including mowing and strimming

o Help in keeping the grounds and gardens looking their best by weeding and tidying as required

o Occasional help cleaning and maintaining the swimming pool and various external artworks

Candidate profile:

Essential:

• At least a Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent, with at least 3 years’ work experience within a similar role
• Strong plant knowledge and competencies in a variety of horticultural practices including propagation, seasonal maintenance of mixed planting schemes, species-specific pruning, and composting
• Ability to identify plant pests and diseases, and manage them in an environmentally sensitive manner
• Ability to plan production in advance, operate within a schedule, and prioritise demands – excellent time-management
• Willingness to work in all weathers, and with a flexible attitude to embrace wider-estate requirements
• Familiarity with the safe use of a range of hand tools and operation of powered machinery
• Familiarity with relevant health and safety guidelines
• Presentable in appearance at all times with excellent communication skills
• Ability to work well on your own and with others
• Reliable, organised, self-motivated and proactive
• Fit, able, and with a good, positive attitude towards work
• Confident in the use of computers for general admin and planning

Desirable:

• PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates
• Tractor and trailer certificates, or experience driving a compact tractor with front-end loader
• Operate ride-on and pedestrian lawn mowers
• Wildflower meadow maintenance
• Experience with the maintenance of irrigation systems
• Experience in swimming pool maintenance

Salary: Attractive, commensurate with experience.

Working hours: Full-time permanent position. Monday-Friday, with weekend duties shared between staff (no more often than once per month)

Benefits: 20 days paid holiday + bank holidays.

To apply, please send CV and covering letter

This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. English Country Gardeners are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.

If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please click here and the Royal Horticultural Society, please click here

For more gardener roles please click here

Tagged as: Estate Gardener, full time, hampshire, Private Advert