Head Gardener
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Gardener to join the gardens within a private estate located near Beverley, East Yorkshire. The owners are looking for an experienced 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 principals to develop the gardens further.
The Grade II* listed building is set within traditional parkland, with the grounds and gardens comprising expansive formal lawns, woodland, an orchard, wildflower areas, glasshouses, outdoor flowerpots and urns, ornamental hedges and perennial borders. The garden is also home to a 2-acre Victorian walled garden which is home to more wildflower beds as well as traditional kitchen garden areas growing a wide variety of produce. As the gardens are constantly developing, there is scope for the Head Gardener to assist with the installation of multiple new beds and borders; designs for the redevelopment of a parterre at the back of the house are currently underway.
Our client seeks an experienced, hard-working gardener to have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the gardens. Suitable applicants will ideally possess a recognised horticultural qualification, PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates, as well as extensive experience in horticulturally diverse gardens in a similar private setting. As such, excellent plant knowledge and technical skills are essential for this position with experience in compost management, propagation, the cultivation of a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, weeding and rejuvenating beds, lawn care and glasshouse work. A self-motivated, organised individual with a self-start attitude and proven track record of managing gardens of this nature, with 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. Candidates will be flexible and willing to extend their duties where needed. As such, this is a physically demanding hands-on position, which requires a fit and strong individual who is comfortable working in all weathers.
The owners are passionate about their garden and are open to ideas the Head Gardener will have with regards to the management and development of the gardens. The successful candidate will be required to work with and manage a team of up to 2 gardeners, plus external contractors as needed. They will be responsible for Health & Safety in the garden and ensuring that everyone is following the correct practices. Experience in the use and maintenance of a wide range of gardening machinery, which ideally the gardener should be capable of maintaining between services. The estate also plays host to several weddings and other private events throughout the year and the Head Gardener will play a key role in ensuring the garden is presented at its finest for these occasions. A person who has genuine enthusiasm, strong communication skills, a keen eye for detail and a willingness to lead by example, would enjoy this opportunity.
The role comes with an on-site, 3-bedroom house which comes with its own garden. The owners are happy to accept partners, dependents and pets. This exciting vacancy would be great for someone looking to work in a beautiful part of the country and join the community making this opportunity a way of life.
Working hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:00am-4:30pm and Friday 8:00am – 3:30pm (with 30-minutes paid morning break and 30-minutes unpaid lunch) with holiday entitlement being 23 days plus Bank Holidays. The Head Gardener will be expected to participate in weekend watering duties on a rotational basis, typically two weekends per month, particularly during the peak growing season. Working together with the principals to implement a more efficient, automated irrigation system over time. Please note, the successful candidate will be required to complete a DBS check, and if offered the role, will be subject to extensive reference checks, both written and verbal. Candidates will also need to provide evidence of qualifications held and hold a full driver’s licence.
SALARY: Up to £35,000 depending on experience
LOCATION: Beverley, East Yorkshire
JOB No: EC67953
If this vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below’ or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
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