Junior Gardener
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Junior Gardener to join a high-profile 180-acre private estate nestled in the heart of Ashdown Forest, an ancient open heathland of great ecological and conservation value within the High Weald AONB in East Sussex. The stunning grounds and gardens, delivered to high horticultural standards, are Grade II* listed, and include a 1.5-acre walled kitchen garden, an orchard, 11 state-of-the art glasshouses, formal terraces, fine lawns, diverse shrub, herbaceous and seasonal borders, landscaped lakes, formal ornamental pools, and extensive parkland and woodlands with valuable Rhododendron and tree collections that thrive in the acidic soil characteristic of the area.
The scope of work of the grounds and gardens team is wide, encompassing most aspects of productive and ornamental horticulture, grounds maintenance and woodland management, with the Junior Gardener providing operational support to other members of staff across different areas of the estate. The Junior Gardener carries out a broad range of seasonal gardening and grounds maintenance tasks, and therefore this position represents a wonderful opportunity for a career starter or junior gardener to acquire extensive gardening experience and skills across multiple disciplines in a prominent horticultural setting, working alongside a knowledgeable and experienced team of 7 other gardeners. The estate is committed to developing staff, and the successful candidate will look forward to continual support, training, and career development.
Suitable candidates will ideally possess formal horticultural qualifications and some previous gardening experience, although the most essential requirement for the position is a strong work ethic, willingness to learn and the professional ambition to solidify a growing gardening career. A team player, the junior gardener will bring dedication, commitment, professionalism and a high degree of physical fitness and the capability to work outdoors in all weathers.
An annual salary of £23K is offered to the successful candidate. Working hours are 37.5 a week with 20 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with the requirement to occasionally work outside formal hours to facilitate additional support for the gardening operations during busy periods. All overtime hours are paid at a rate of time and a half. The position includes a comfortable two-bedroom cottage with a wood-burning stove and a private garden within walking distance of the workplace. Most of the gardening team lives on site, and candidates with children and/or pets are welcome to apply.
A valid full UK driving license is an essential requirement for the position.
Candidates are requested to include a cover letter alongside their CV with their application and are encouraged to apply early.
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.
If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please click here and the Royal Horticultural Society, please click here
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