A Private Estate in Wiltshire is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our dedicated garden team of five in a live-in capacity. This is an exceptional improver opportunity, encompassing a broad range of plants and technical skillsets. It would be an ideal vacancy for someone looking to transition into or further their career in professional horticulture within the grounds of one of Wiltshire’s most historic and prestigious private estates.

The Role

As a Junior Under Gardener, you will be immersed in all aspects of high-level estate maintenance. While you will regularly work in collaboration with the wider team across the whole garden; this role also offers a unique opportunity to take responsibility for the operation and management of the Frame Yard, alongside all associated elements of growing under glass. Under the mentorship of the Head Gardener and with guidance from colleagues, you will oversee all aspects of this area’s maintenance and development, allowing you to grow your skillset through direct ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• Glasshouse Management: Develop direct management skills of over 4,000 sq. ft. of glass (across 6 distinct houses); focusing on propagation, maintenance of tropical and arid plant displays, and production of fruits, vegetables and houseplants.
• Diverse Horticulture: Assisting across all garden sectors including ornamental horticulture; flower, fruit and vegetable production, turf /wildflower management and specimen tree care.
• Productive Gardening: Working within the walled garden, fruit cages, and orchard to produce high-quality fruit, vegetables and flowers for the Estate.
• Estate Maintenance: All expected duties including groundskeeping (lawns and hedges), general bed and border work as well as upkeep of paths, patios and garden structures etc.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an enthusiastic and genuine individual with a willingness to learn and input ideas, with a determination to progress their horticultural career. This is intended as an improver position and as such is a good opportunity for an individual coming through the industry having already secured some theory qualifications and previous volunteer work, or someone looking to build on initial experiences in another professional garden.

• Experience: Qualifications (especially PA1 and PA6) desirable but not necessary if a clear commitment to professional horticulture can be demonstrated – such as through past voluntary work or working consecutive seasons in a professional garden etc.
• Reliability: Physical fitness and the ability to work in all weather conditions are a must. Additional Weekend Duty on a 1 in 4 Rota is mandatory and self-motivation and timekeeping is therefore essential for this role.
• Team Player: Someone who enjoys working as part of a close-knit, professional team but is also confident and takes pride when working independently.

What We Offer

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from the Head Gardener and a well-rounded and supportive team.
• Skill Development: A structured environment to learn complex skills like pruning and training, propagation and plant production; as well as amenity/ sports turf, and pest/ disease management. Possibility of vocational training courses as required.
• Accommodation: Available for the right candidate – requirements to be discussed at interview.
• Career Progression: A solid foundation to support a long-term career in high end horticulture.

Salary: Dependent on Experience

Working Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 – 5:00, including 1hr Break. Weekend Duty on a prescheduled 1 in 4 rota.

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

For more gardener roles please click here

Tagged as: full time, Junior Gardener, Private Advert, under gardener, Wiltshire