Head Gardener
An incredible opportunity has become available for an experienced and knowledgeable Head Gardener to manage the horticultural features in the gardens and ground of a beautiful estate near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. The position is full time and permanent basis and will manage a team of 5 gardeners and groundpeople.
The majority of the 550-acre estate is grazed with about 50 acres surrounding the main house require the attention of the Head Gardener and their team. The gardens and pleasure grounds consist of a formal terrace with formal parterres, extensive lawns, mature trees including copper beech trees, oak, yews and cedars, ornamental shrubs, and woodland area. There is a walled kitchen garden, that is currently used for ornamental purposes and has the potential to be restored for productive purposes as well. There are two greenhouses onsite used for propagation and growing vegetables. The gardens also include fishponds, water features, swimming pool and tennis court.
The Head Gardener will be responsible for the maintenance of the gardens and all horticultural tasks on the Estate to a professional standard. He / She will plan the planting programmes to provide seasonal interest within the borders, and prepare annual maintenance schedules for the borders, trees and lawns and will liaise with the Principles and the Estate Manager on any changes to the planting schemes and planting of external pots and troughs throughout year. The health of plants in the extensive herbaceous beds are to be monitored and maintained including pruning, staking, feeding and spraying. The successful candidate will schedule and supervise the necessary work for the team of gardeners and will work very closely with the Estate Manger to achieve this.
The Head gardener will be on call once a month on a Sunday to assist with any matters on the Estate and provide any assistance to the principles. Additional responsibilities include assisting with water duties during the summer months including weekends.
Applicants should ideally have experience as a Head gardener or experienced gardener working on a private estate, managing a small team. He / She will have excellent plant knowledge and excellent technical skills. It is important that the Head Gardener has a good understanding of Health and Safety requirements noting that all duties must be carried out to comply with current Health & Safety at Work legislation. Any defects or Health and Safety concerns, no matter what its nature are to be reported to the Estate Manager immediately. The Head Gardener will have experience using and maintaining a range of basic garden machinery. A UK driving licence is essential.
A courtyard house is provided as accommodation for the successful applicant. Council tax and utility bills are paid by the employer. The house is fully furnished and can be kept that way if required by the tenants or can be emptied out if the tenant wishes to bring their own furniture. Partners, children and pets are welcome.
SALARY: £35,000 – £40,000 depending on experience
LOCATION: Near Chipping Norton
JOB No: EC35720
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin 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.
