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JOB Ref: EC37711

Head Gardener

  • Full Time PRIVATE AD
  • £35,000
  • Gloucestershire

A talented and experienced Head Gardener is sought after to join a growing team on a family owned estate in the Cotswolds.

The 96-acre estate consists of rolling parklands, formal lawns, immaculate hedges, small mixed borders, a small orchard, walled garden areas, a beautiful and productive kitchen garden, mixed and conifer woodlands and a large pond. There are also a few farm animals kept as pets and dogs who live in the house. Much of the parkland is in transition from hay meadow to wildflower, while other smaller areas are still managed as hay meadows. The orchard contains a few heritage apple and pear varieties, espalier fruit and ornamental cherries.

The Head Gardener will oversee all finer horticultural aspects of the estate, they will be supported by a small team comprising of gardeners and grounds workers. The ideal candidate will have experience in landscape design, and some ability to either draw design concepts or use C.A.D. to present ideas to the owners.

The estate is always developing, currently with a designer led natural pond project nearing completion, more large projects to begin soon and owners who welcome ideas and inspiration to develop smaller areas in-house. The successful candidate will have the ability to offer their own design ideas and implement those designs using external contractors, ensuring all work is carried out to the highest standard.

The role does require some time spent in the office as well as practical gardening tasks. Computer literacy is a must and a basic knowledge of record keeping and Health & Safety requirements is needed. The Head Gardener is responsible for tracking the garden and grounds finances and therefore must maintain up to date records which can be used by the owners accountants and financial management team. The role also requires facilitating all external contractors completing outdoor tasks, i.e., walling, gate servicing, machinery servicing etc. Therefore, a good all round practical knowledge of estates is necessary, as well as a desire to learn new skills from the current staff members.

The Head Gardener will be responsible for all outdoor areas of the estate being kept to the owners high standards and therefore a keen eye for detail is required. Estate work is varied and some flexibility is needed, occasional ‘other’ duties may be required such as driving errands, assisting the house staff moving furniture, harvesting vegetables, cutting flowers for the house etc.

The garden is equipped with a range of machinery hence basic knowledge of most powered garden tools and experience using them safely is a must.

Applicants will have a relevant horticultural qualification, ideally level 3 or above and proven experience managing a team and an estate. Further qualifications and experience with design would be advantageous. Strong communication skills are a must in this role, as well as physical fitness and being well presented. The Head Gardener is expected to keep the owners informed of progress and updated regularly, as well as seeking approval on certain projects and spending when needed. The successful candidate will be able to work alongside other department managers well.

This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate and skilled Head Gardener. Normal working hours apply however flexibility is required depending on the needs of the principles and the season.

A minimum of 3 years experience as a Head Gardener on a private estate is required, as well as some design knowledge and experience with kitchen gardens.

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.

Tagged as: design, estate, head gardener, parkland, private, wildflower

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