Head Gardener
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Head Gardener to play a key role in the ongoing development and enhancement of a beautiful private estate in Cavan, Ireland. The position will involve day-to-day hands-on leadership and supervision of a team of gardeners in all aspects of the horticulturally diverse and developing garden. Applications are sought from experienced and academically qualified Head/Senior Gardeners with high energy and a creative eye from a horticultural perspective. A 1-bed cottage is available on site, rent free, though is only large enough for a single occupant or a couple.
The successful candidate will work with the property owner and Estate Manager with a view to bringing the historic gardens back to their former style and glory, with a modern twist and practical application in line with the theme of the estate. This role will suit a horticulturist with demonstrable experience at senior level within private service, excellent time management skills, strong horticultural knowledge, and desire to take on a dynamic garden enhancement opportunity. The estate plays host to weddings, with food at the highest level being a primary focus and an exciting draw for visitors.
Set within approximately 100-acres, the 18th Century estate was purchased by the current owner six years ago and has been constantly evolving throughout this time. The varied and beautiful site is set within a historic deer park, with stunning scenery including woodland, a lake and many formal gardens surrounding the main buildings. The formal and natural gardens comprise a walled garden, a 1-acre apple orchard with five varieties, a winter garden, a woodland garden, a perennial garden, mixed and herbaceous beds and borders, with hedges and specimen trees throughout. Approximately 2.5-acres have been recently stripped and are in need of renovation and creative input. A field for growing hardy produce and six polytunnels allow food to be grown for guests on a year-round basis.
The Head Gardener will manage and supervise a small team of assistant gardeners (three at present) and will be involved with any further recruitment of garden staff as deemed necessary. The successful applicant will also work under and alongside the Estate Manager in terms of site development and operational planning. Applicants must therefore be excellent communicators and be able to manage staff with diplomacy and positivity, whilst always maintaining communication with the Estate Manager and consideration for the property owner’s vision for the garden. The property owners are genuinely enthusiastic and dedicated to their gardens and as such, this role will be varied and interesting with a high standard of horticulture required.
Applications are sought from experienced and knowledgeable private estate Senior/Head Gardeners who will have assumed responsibility of a large private garden and garden staff management, previously. Suitable candidates will be confident yet humble and considerate, motivated, organised and professional hands-on Head or Senior Gardeners who are able to inspire their team. The post holder will be socially confident with excellent communication skills and an ability and willingness to liaise with other property staff and engage positively with the owners and guests where necessary. Good organisational experience and a demonstrable understanding of all areas of garden management are essential, with ideal applicants being academically qualified to RHS Level 3 or above with excellent physical fitness, plant identification skills and an ability to operate and maintain a range of garden machinery. The Head Gardener should be able to carry out plant P&D management, plant propagation and glasshouse work as well as and kitchen gardening to a high standard.
This is a rare opportunity for a skilled and experienced Head Gardener to join a friendly team on a developing and varied estate, under a very welcoming Estate Manager and property owner.
SALARY: €35,000 – €42,000 DOE
LOCATION: Cavan, Ireland
JOB No: EC25560
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read 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.
