Experienced Gardener
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Experienced Gardener to join the garden within a private estate located near Sevenoaks, Kent. The owners now require a knowledgeable gardener with a proven track record of managing a horticulturally diverse garden to assist in the ongoing maintenance and development of the garden and grounds. This is a full-time permanent position which will give the successful applicant an opportunity to collaborate with the friendly principles to develop the gardens further and be part of the well-established small team of estate staff.
The 500-acre estate lies within an area of natural beauty, with the Tudor Grade II listed moated Manor House surrounded by 5-acres of formal gardens. The mature garden consists of extensive lawns, herbaceous borders, shrubs, roses, two greenhouses, large fruit cage, a variety of mature and young trees and a Victorian style glasshouse. The remainder of the estate is home to an arable farm which has a strong focus on the environment, as well as a couple of Airbnb rental properties.
Our client seeks an experienced gardener to help maintain the established gardens on a year-round basis following the annual calendar. Suitable applicants will ideally possess a recognised horticultural qualification as well as holding extensive experience in horticulturally diverse gardens in a private estate setting. As such, excellent plant knowledge and technical skills are essential for this position with experience in compost management, propagation, weeding and maintenance of herbaceous borders. The owners are seeking a candidate who is keen on sustainability and organic gardening, mirroring their values. A self-motivated, organised individual with a self-start attitude and a strong work ethic, ability to work to their own initiative and willingness to work to consistently high standards are qualities which are essential for this role. Experience in the use and maintenance of a wide range of gardening machinery, which ideally the gardener should be capable of maintaining between services, as well as full knowledge and keen awareness of all Health and Safety issues.
The Experienced Gardener will have the ability to work on their own initiative to a high standard as well as being a team player and working well with the wider estate team where needed. This team comprises of two other employees, an administrative manager and the family housekeeper. Candidates will be flexible and willing to extend their duties where needed. This is a physically demanding position which requires a fit and strong individual who is comfortable working in all weathers.
This exciting vacancy would be great for someone looking to work in a quiet and beautiful part of the country and join the estate family making this opportunity a way of life. The client is offering the successful candidate a 3-bedroom semi-detached cottage that comes with its own garden, with partners, dependents and pets’ welcome. This will be offered at a heavily discounted monthly rental rate to the successful applicant.
Working hours are Monday – Friday 7:00am – 4:00pm, with a 15-minute morning break and 45-minute lunch break. statutory pension and holiday entitlement being 20 days plus Bank Holidays. Please note, the successful candidate with be offered subject to extensive reference checks, both written and verbal and also be required to sign an NDA. Candidates will also need to provide evidence of qualifications held and hold a full driver’s licence.
SALARY: £38,000 DOE + Accommodation
LOCATION: Sevenoaks, Kent
JOB No: EC64460
If this Experienced Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this 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 Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
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