Sole Gardener
A rare opportunity has arisen for a Sole Gardener to take ownership of an impressive and developing private estate garden in County Meath, Ireland. The property has recently been purchased and the owner has planned an extensive renovation, construction and reinstatement program for the whole estate. Applications are sought from skilled gardeners with demonstrable experience of managing their own time efficiently from a hands-on perspective, preferably with experience at Sole, Senior/Head Gardener level.
The estate is of a parkland-style landscape with copses and strategic planting of trees within the fields, numbering 2000 at present. The total area encompasses 110-acres, with the formal garden being 3-acres when complete. The property will include a kitchen garden, glasshouses and wildflower meadows in addition to an array of ornamental planting and garden features yet to be finalised as part of the design.
Two employees currently work on site, including a part-time groundskeeper. The successful candidate for the Sole Gardener role will report directly to the estate owner and will work with the landscape architect to deliver the garden design, planting and landscaping project as envisaged and will ensure the upkeep of existing parkland.
Responsibilities of the Sole Gardener are to include general garden maintenance and management, e.g. planting, pruning, lawn mowing, hedge cutting, watering/irrigation and tree maintenance. Maintaining the boundaries and property fences will fall within the post holder’s area of responsibility and as such, competence in the operation of some agricultural machinery such as tractors, excavators, hedge trimmers, sprayers etc. will be welcomed, however those without experience with heavy machinery/vehicles are also encouraged to apply. Routine upkeep of the property, i.e. fencing, varied handyman jobs etc. will also be required of the Sole Gardener.
Applicants for this position should have experience in garden management and maintenance, strong horticultural knowledge, experience with self-propelled mowers, chainsaws, and other garden machinery. Applicants with experience in earth moving equipment would also be welcome.
Suitable candidates will be physically fit, energetic and self-motivated with a strong work ethic and can-do attitude. An ability to work well unsupervised, plan the workload on a weekly and annual basis and to problem-solve are essential qualities, as are good communication skills and a positive attitude. Applicants should be academically qualified, ideally with certification in Health and Safety. Applicants must hold a full driving licence.
This opportunity is offered with accommodation by way of a 1000ft.2 gate lodge comprising two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, kitchen and utility room. The lodge has recently been refurbished and is fully furnished. Pets are welcome. Utility costs will be the responsibility of the employee, though rent is covered by the employer in addition to the generous salary stated below.
Standard hours will be 38-hours per week, Monday to Friday with occasional weekend work when necessary. 29-days holiday (including Public Holidays) are offered, as is use of a vehicle for work purposes.
SALARY: Circa €30,000 DOE
LOCATION: Country Meath, Ireland
JOB No: EC27048
If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sole 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 Sole Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
