Estate Gardener

Job Description

 

Other than being a professional who can comfortably take their hand to a range of horticultural disciplines, we would like to find somebody with a genuine interest and enthusiasm for herbaceous and seasonal ornamental displays. The ideal candidate will eventually be expected to take ownership of all floral displays proximate to the main house and within the walled-kitchen garden, as well as cut-flower production. The gardens and grounds comprise a gentle mixture of formal and informal design styles and are managed in an ecologically sensitive manner.

Responsibilities:

• Take ownership and improve the established ornamental herbaceous displays close to the house and within the walled kitchen garden, supplemented by seasonal annual production

• Provide the house with seasonal cut-flowers generated through perennial and annual schemes via a dedicated space within the walled kitchen garden

• Manage and maintain the permanent container displays around the property utilising at least a 3-season display turn-around

• Occasionally aid other gardening and house staff in a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

o General help in the walled kitchen garden (such as the watering, harvesting and processing of produce)

o Lawncare duties such as mowing and strimming

o Help in keeping the grounds and gardens looking their best by weeding and tidying as required

o Cleaning and maintaining the swimming pool and various external artworks

• Share in delivering a weekly harvest to the client’s property in London

• Once a sufficient time has passed, the possibility of sharing night-cover duties (paid at an additional rate)

Candidate profile:

Essential:

• At least a Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent, with at least 3 years’ work experience within a similar role

• Strong plant knowledge and competencies in a variety of horticultural practices including propagation, seasonal maintenance of mixed planting schemes, species-specific pruning, and composting

• Ability to identify plant pests and diseases, and manage them in an environmentally sensitive manner

• Ability to plan production in advance, operate within a schedule, and prioritise demands – excellent time-management

• Willingness to work in all weathers, and with a flexible attitude to embrace wider-estate requirements

• Familiarity with the safe use of a range of hand tools and operation of powered machinery

• Familiarity with relevant health and safety guidelines

• Presentable in appearance at all times with excellent communication skills

• Ability to work well on your own and with others

• Reliable, organised, self-motivated and proactive

• Fit, able, and with a good, positive attitude towards work

• Confident in the use of computers for general admin and planning

• Full valid UK drivers’ licence

Desirable:

• PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates

• Tractor and trailer certificates, or experience driving a compact tractor with front-end loader

• Operate ride-on and pedestrian lawn mowers

• Wildflower meadow maintenance

• Experience with the maintenance of irrigation systems

• Experience in swimming pool maintenance

How to Apply

 

Applications:

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Barry Straker – barry.straker@ntlworld.com