Deputy Head Gardener
Applications are invited for the position of Deputy Head Gardener for the gardens of a family-owned estate in East Sussex.
The Estate comprises of stunning woodlands and extensive pasture stretching over 500 acres. The family’s vision is to achieve an estate that is highly sustainable, supports a rich array of biodiversity along with recreational enjoyment for the family and its guests.
In the immediate vicinity of the Manor House there are over 15 acres of private gardens containing formal areas, lawns, two lakes, a river, orchard, kitchen garden as well as other self-contained gardens. It is a primary aim for the gardens to be well kept and maintained to a high standard. The family have a strong ecological approach to gardening promoting organic practices and maintaining natural and wild areas.
The family have a desire to be involved and the Deputy Head Gardener will work closely with, and advise, them to bring their mutual vision to life. The experienced gardener will also need to work under their own initiative to manage as well as bring in new ideas to revive the gardens.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Maintenance and upkeep of all areas of the gardens
- Maintenance and upkeep of compost/leaf mould/ soil conditions
- Work closely with the owners to redesign and replant the gardens with the aim to encourage biodiversity
- Overview and advice on planting and rotation of vegetable garden including use of companion planting
- Managing and motivating a small horticultural team, delegating tasks where necessary
- Management and removal of invasive species i.e., bindweed, bamboo, ground elder
- Identifying plants that are stressed and or diseased and resolving them.
- Ensuring that garden tools/machinery are operated and maintained correctly
We seek candidates who have at least 3 years senior gardener experience, working on a private estate and/or horticulturally diverse public garden, and are keen to take on a varied project in order to use their horticultural skills to the full. You should have a positive, patient and flexible attitude to work.
A current driving licence, chainsaw licence for maintenance, cross cutting and felling are desirable as well as having lake/pond knowledge, such as control of invasive weeds/ algae, aquatic plants and knowledge of how to improve water quality and biodiversity is also extremely useful in this senior role. Woodland management skills and wildflower meadow experience would also be beneficial.
SALARY up to £40,000 Live-out
LOCATION: East Sussex
JOB No: EC34482
If this Deputy Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Ruth Bolam on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Deputy Head 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 Deputy Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
