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JOB Ref: EC42598

Senior Gardener

  • Full Time Live Out
  • £30,000 - £35,000 DOE
  • Hertfordshire

A beautiful private estate based in Hertfordshire has created an exciting opportunity for a Senior Gardener, to join their team on their varied and interesting garden. The Grade II Listed property on the estate encompasses approximately 40 acres, of which 5 are gardens that are maintained to the highest standard. The gardens are part of the National Garden Scheme and open once a year to the public, towards the end of May, and as a testament to their popularity, have recently broken the regional record for the most successful turnout in a day. The estate is also home to various animals, a small herd of Dexter cattle, Texel sheep, chickens and horses.

The ornamental gardens feature many elements including specimen trees and shrubs, mixed and herbaceous planting, an orchard, water features, fine lawns, and meadow areas. The garden has two glasshouses including an orangery and a polytunnel to provide additional growing space. The kitchen garden and adjacent allotment space are used for the production of fruit and vegetables, of which some are used for preserves and juices.  The property owner is very passionate about the productive aspects of the gardens, loves cooking and welcomes new ideas to ensure continued interest. The remainder of the estate encompasses a swimming pool, outbuildings, horse stables, paddocks, beehives, parkland, a tennis court and a smallholding.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities of the Senior Gardener are to assist the Head Gardener to ensure the formal gardens are developed and maintained to the highest standard including planting and maintaining a wide variety of plants, vegetables, shrubs, and trees. Applications are sought from experienced and knowledgeable private estate gardeners who possess excellent horticultural knowledge and a positive, friendly character.  Chemical spray certificate and chainsaw licenses are both desirable, but not essential.  The successful applicant will liaise with the owners, and the Estate Manager/Designer, as well as the Head Gardener with a view to ensuring the smooth running and further development of the gardens in line with new ideas and techniques. Applicants should also have demonstrable experience on horticulturally diverse private estates, academic horticultural qualifications and good knowledge of plant propagation, kitchen gardening, glasshouse work, specialist pruning techniques, and particularly of ornamental horticulture and of efficient seasonal garden management.  Good physical fitness and a commitment to the garden is necessary, as is the ability to display a positive attitude.

Applicants will hold an RHS level 2 certificate or equivalent, have an in-depth and wide-ranging understanding of horticulture. Relevant previous experience working in a similar position; ideally 2 years minimum. The successful applicant will be self-motivated, genuinely enthusiastic about productive gardening, with excellent horticultural knowledge, communication and time management skills.  A full driving licence and your own transport are required as the property is located rurally.

SALARY:  £30,000 – £35,000 DOE

LOCATION:  Hertfordshire

JOB No:  EC42598

If this Senior Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Bevan Andrews on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Senior 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 Skilled Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

Tagged as: Live Out, Skilled Gardener

Bevan Andrews