Skilled Gardener – Vacancy

We are looking for a Skilled Gardener to join our team, working to maintain and develop the 10 acres of newly cultivated garden and 90 acre wider private estate near Strathyre, Stirlingshire.

The garden is on the site of a former farm which has been radically transformed over the last seven years. Work is still ongoing with a brand new 1.5 acre walled garden currently under development, which will include large water features as well as ornamental areas, an orchard and a stumpery. The garden has been developed  under the direction of garden designer Tracy McQue: this is not a traditional or historical garden.  It is designed to complement the surrounding landscape whilst still making a statement – think broad areas planted in large swathes, along with meadows and rewilded areas. No striped lawns, small borders or staked Delphiniums here; we’re looking for someone with a modern outlook to horticulture who can contribute to making this unique site a beautiful space.

Tasks for the Skilled Gardener will vary greatly across the year, including but not limited to: fruit and vegetable production under glass and outdoors;  propagation and nursery work; weeding; planting; hedge trimming; formative and seasonal pruning; mulching; mowing; strimming; meadow maintenance; training climbers on the walls; tree work; leaf blowing; pressure washing and more as the garden continues to expand. We have also recently moved into the new glasshouse range which has an ornamental sub-tropical area, as well as a propagation house and an edible wing used for vegetable production year-round.

The Skilled Gardener will be working in a team of five, under the direction of the Head Gardener. Our ideal candidate will be able to work well as part of a small team but will also be able to take responsibility for maintaining and editing select areas of the garden.

The owners of the estate are in part-time residence and are genuinely supportive of creating a pleasant and engaging working environment. There is a popular walking and cycling route that passes through the estate, so being a friendly face to visitors is important to us, whilst also maintaining the privacy of the family.

The local area is a great place to live, with excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and kayaking in the local area and also a great base for exploring the Highlands further to the north. There are excellent transport links to Scotland’s principal cities or further south.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of three years, full-time employment in public gardens or private estates.
• RHS Level 2/RBGE Diploma or equivalent; or theoretical knowledge to a similar level.
• Proficient in the safe use and regular maintenance of a wide range of horticultural tools and two-stroke machines.
• Experience in the use of quad bikes / ATVs / Tractors and trailers.
• Good plant identification skills.
• A team player with an adaptable attitude and willingness to work in all areas of the garden: Kitchen Garden; Ornamental; Glasshouse; Woodland and Estate.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Physically fit and able to undertake repetitive tasks.
• Willing and able to work outdoors in the Scottish climate all year round.
• A full driving licence and own transport is required.
• Personable and discreet, respectful of the fact that this is a family home.

Salary:  £32,000 – £36,000 per annum, depending on knowledge and experience

Working Hours: This is a full time position with working hours from 8am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Please send a C.V with a covering letter.

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, Private Advert, Scotland, Skilled Gardener, stirlingshire