An exciting opportunity for a full-time, experienced estate gardener to join our expanding Gardens Team on privately owned rural estates in South Shropshire.
We are looking to recruit a skilled, knowledgeable, motivated gardener to work with the Head Gardener and Gardens Team to maintain and develop the gardens and grounds to the highest horticultural standards. You will be keen and enthusiastic with a proven track record in a similar role, with formal training and a wide practical knowledge of working horticulture.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Work as part of the Gardens Team to deliver the programme of work as set out by the Head Gardener.
- Maintain a high standard of horticulture through the application of specialist horticultural skills in order to sustain and develop the highest levels of production and presentation across the estate.
- Undertake horticultural tasks including but not limited to: grass cutting, edging, pruning, dead heading, training, planting, glasshouse maintenance, propagation, watering, mulching, hedge cutting, composting, staking, pest/weed/disease identification and control, producing and harvesting crops/plants/cut flowers.
- Comply with all current Health & Safety legislation and Estate Rules.
- Maintenance of garden features, e.g. water features, sculptures, seating.
- Maintenance of driveways, paths, terraces and tracks.
- Maintenance of tools and equipment.
- Liaison with estate staff.
- Liaison with any professionals, landscape contractors and maintenance contractors and suppliers to ensure the effective running of the gardens.
- Have a practical ‘can do’ attitude.
- All those duties normally associated with the role of Gardener.
Skills and Experience
- Minimum of two years of horticultural experience in a private estate, historic or botanic garden setting.
- Broad-ranging horticultural expertise and excellent plant knowledge with evidence of appropriate academic qualifications or experience.
- Ability to consistently deliver high-quality horticulture, finish and presentation.
- Minimum level 2 horticultural qualification (NVQ/RHS or equivalent).
- A well organised individual with attention to detail and a keenness to provide the highest standards of presentation.
- A practical, hands-on, hard-working gardener with excellent team working and communication skills.
- Capable to take responsibility and work on own initiative, alone or with small teams.
- Experience of driving compact tractors, attachments and using a wide range of tools and equipment.
- Ideally PA1 and PA6 Pesticides Application qualifications.
- Capacity to communicate clearly in both written and oral forms.
- Full and clean UK driving licence.
40 hours per week 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri. Occasional weekend watering duties may be required with time off in lieu.
The salary package will be competitive and commensurate with ability and experience.
28 days holiday per annum, inclusive of Bank Holidays.
Please include a covering letter and current CV with your application.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
