ESTATE GARDENER

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Estate Gardener to join the small friendly estate team of a beautiful private estate just outside of Bristol. If you are a passionate, hands-on gardener with a knowledge and enthusiasm for organic fruit and vegetable production, formal planting and wildflower meadows then this job is for you.

As a business we are focused on the delivery of environmental and societal change through a blend of landscape scale nature restoration, climate change mitigation and community regeneration, ultimately sustained through the creation of innovative natural capital products for the corporate market.

We comprise a number of land holdings including Belmont Estate and Watercress Farm in the Southwest together with Aberarder Estate in the Highlands of Scotland. A diverse range of activities across the portfolio include regenerative farming, groundbreaking rewilding and rewetting projects, large scale peatland restoration, and a free nature-based education program, delivered alongside a calendar of events and experiences for Corporate Partners and the local community. All designed to reconnect people to nature, to food, and to one another.

This role is based at Belmont, an estate that combines Grade II* historic parkland, heritage woodland, and a rewilding and rewetting project, with a number of restored and repurposed historic properties both commercial and residential. There are small formal gardens, wildflower meadows, a walled kitchen garden, and a new orchard, as well as future gardens that are being designed to support the estate’s new community offering, all less than 10 minutes from the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This wide ranging and important role is responsible for the upkeep, care and presentation of the Belmont Estate gardens and formal outside spaces, working closely with our estate team.  You will play a key part in maintaining and promoting the estate’s values and mission to guests and visitors, sharing knowledge, and helping to protect and build the Belmont brand.

The estate is organic, so experience and knowledge of organic and regenerative practices is key.

The Estate Gardener will be capable of working independently, but with regular contact with the estate owner and with support from members of the small gardening and estate team.

Belmont has various features including small formal gardens, wildflower meadows, a walled kitchen garden, and a new orchard, as well as future gardens in the planning stages.

REPORTS TO: Estate and Nature Recovery Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Gardening Assistant TBC

CONTRACT: Permanent / Full time

LOCATION: Belmont Estate, Bristol

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

ESTATE PRESENTATION

• Exceptionally high level of estate presentation
• Maintaining a safe working environment

PLANNING AND DESIGN

• Planning and production of organic fruit and vegetables
• General gardening work planning and scheduling
• Design, creation and maintenance of planting schemes, flower beds and planters
• Presentation of concepts and project plans for collaboration and sign off

COLLABORATION

• Communicate and consult with wider team and estate owners to ensure work and projects are in line with estate objectives
• Willingness to assist wider estate team when necessary

INSPIRATION

• Willingness and ability to inspire others about the work you do and the ambition of the estate

SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES, BEHAVIOURS AND VALUES

• passion for and proficiency in organic plant propagation
• design and maintenance of herbaceous and mixed borders
• lawn care, establishment and maintenance
• pruning, training and maintenance of trees and shrubs
• general maintenance including hedges, paths and driveways, mowing, weeding, and mulching
• plan, design, propagation, maintenance of an organic kitchen garden
• wildflower meadow establishment and care
• planning, designing and cultivation of cut flower garden for use at events and for private use
• good communicator and sharer of knowledge
• ability to use wide range of garden machinery (training given where necessary) is desirable
• orchard establishment and care desirable
• attention to detail in all that you do
• presentable and personable, helping to enhance the image of the estate when interacting with guests and visitors
• passion for the countryside and wildlife
• trustworthy, with a strong work ethic
• positive and flexible approach
• highly organised, self-motivated and proactive

EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE IS LIKELY TO:

• have 3 plus years’ experience in a similar role
• have demonstrable experience in organic gardening
• have experience engaging with guests and visitors
• possess a full clean driving licence
• be qualified to RHS level 3 in Horticulture (desirable)
• have experience of managing staff (desirable)
• have experience working closely with private owners
• proficiency in organic plant propagation

HOURS

• 0800 – 1700 standard working hours
• due to the nature of the role some flexibility will be required, appreciated and reciprocated

PACKAGE

• Competitive salary
• Private health care
• Life Assurance
• 25 days holiday plus statutory bank holidays
• Discounted produce from online farm shop

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, Gardener, Live Out