An experienced gardener is required for a prestigious private estate in Cheshire comprising approximately twelve acres of formal gardens surrounding the main residence. These include a rock walk with an impressive collection of large-leaf rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, formal lawns with ornamental planting, and a lake providing a peaceful contrast to the woodland landscape. The wider estate extends to approximately 100 acres and includes woodland, lakes and an internationally recognised equestrian showground.
To take responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance, presentation and ongoing development of the estate gardens and immediate grounds, ensuring they are maintained to a consistently high horticultural standard while supporting the wider operational requirements of the estate.
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Maintaining formal gardens to a high horticultural standard
- Lawn care and seasonal maintenance
- Planting, propagation and development of planting schemes
- Weed, pest and disease control
- Pruning shrubs, trees and climbers
- Care of the lake and surrounding landscape
- Operating and maintaining horticultural machinery
- Maintaining paths, drives and hard landscaped areas
- Liaising with the garden designer and owners regarding future development
- Supervising contractors and any assistant gardeners
- Ordering plants, materials and consumables
The successful candidate will occasionally be required to undertake additional duties, including:
- Providing a general on-site presence that contributes to the security and smooth running of the household grounds particularly when the owners are away or off-site.
- Responding to alarm activations and attending the property where reasonably required when the owners are away or off-site (1:4 weekends on rota basis).
- Basic care of animals, including feeding and checking on dogs and chickens when required.
These duties form part of the overall estate support function and are expected to be undertaken on a reasonable and occasional basis.
The role requires a self-motivated individual capable of planning and managing their workload with minimal supervision while working collaboratively with the owners, external contractors and professional advisers. An enhanced DBS will be required. The role is based on a 40-hour week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Seasonal variations in working hours may be required to reflect the needs of the estate and will be agreed with the owners.
You should be of a cheerful and positive disposition, with a ‘can and will do’ attitude, to work with this family. The role is ideally suited to someone who is looking for a permanent and long-term post.
Line management responsibility: Supervising assistant gardeners, seasonal staff and external contractors engaged on the estate.
Budget responsibility: Day-to-day purchasing of plants, consumables and materials, together with petty cash expenditure in accordance with agreed budgets.
Knowledge, skills and experience:
Essential
- Experience in planning and prioritising seasonal horticultural work programmes.
- Minimum three years' practical horticultural experience
- Sound plant knowledge
- RHS Level 2, NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent)
- Full UK driving licence
- Ability to work independently
- Good communication skills
- Knowledge of health and safety requirements
- Experience maintaining machinery
- Experience supervising contractors or staff
Desirable
- RHS Level 3
- PA1 & PA6
- Chainsaw certification
- Tractor licence
- Irrigation knowledge
- Lake management experience
- Experience operating compact tractors and ride-on machinery
- Experience working on private estates
Suitable estate accommodation may be available for the successful candidate. Occupation would be linked to the employment and offered under a separate occupancy agreement at a reduced rent. Applicants who do not require accommodation are equally welcome to apply.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £35,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Chester CH3 9HQ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Horticulture: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
