Deputy Head Gardener
The Balmoral Estate seeks an enthusiastic Deputy Head Gardener.
Applicants should have experience in all types of gardening work, with at least three years relevant experience in horticulture.
To assist the Head Gardener in the maintenance and development of Balmoral Gardens and policies, as well as helping to delegate work to gardens staff. Weekend work, on a rotational basis, is required with time of in lieu. To carry out such other relevant duties as may be required.
Overview
Balmoral Gardens include cut flowers, herbaceous borders, gravel alpine border, vegetables, herbs, fruit, shrubs, trees, paths, walls and hedges, together with associated glasshouses and infrastructure.
Some garden maintenance is also carried out at holiday cottages and pensioner houses. In addition, there is a nine-hole golf course and cricket pitch under the gardens remit.
Accountabilities
Reporting to the Balmoral Head Gardener.
Competencies and qualities required
- At least three years relevant experience in horticulture, including one year’s proven supervisory experience, together with comprehensive plant knowledge.
- Practical knowledge and use of a variety of machinery such as knapsack sprayers and mowers.
- Some knowledge of Health & Safety legislation.
- Knowledge and some experience of plant propagation.
- Full, valid UK driving licence.
- RHS level 3 in Horticulture or equivalent.
- PA1 and PA6 pesticide spraying certificates.
- Team player who is self-motivated and organised, with good communication skills.
Desirable
- Chainsaw certificates.
- Tractor driving certificate.
Other jobs and environmental details
Annual leave is granted with approval by the Head Gardener.
Training and development encouraged, attending all courses / training as necessary.
You will be required to complete a Security Clearance Form. Your appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, a medical examination and completion of The Royal Service Undertaking.
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Customary hours to fulfil your duties as assigned and agreed with your Head of Department. These are based on an annual average of 39 hours per five-day week, exclusive of tea and meal breaks.
Weekend maintenance of the greenhouses is on a rota basis. Time off will be given for hours worked over the weekends.
Holidays
The holiday entitlement is 30 working days, including Estate and Public holidays for full-time employees. Part-time and seasonal workers will accrue holidays on a pro rata basis. The holiday year runs from 1st April. It is not possible for holidays to be taken during July, August and September.
Salary and Pension Scheme
The salary will be negotiable and will be commensurate with the responsibilities of this position.
There is a Stakeholder Pension Scheme into which the employer contributes 15% of salary.
An attractive package is available to the successful candidate. Accommodation may be available.
Requests for a job description and an application form should be sent, with a CV (completed applications to arrive no later than Monday 21st July), to:-
Mr. Richard R. Gledson,Resident Factor The Estates Office, Balmoral Estates, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5TB
