A fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Gardener/Groundsman to join a small team on a beautiful private estate in the Cotswolds. This role involves maintaining and enhancing approximately 100 acres of gardens, grounds, woodlands, lakes, meadows and paddocks, while contributing to the ongoing development of the landscape.
Working alongside an experienced Head Gardener, you will gain hands-on experience across formal and informal gardens, lakes and springs, woodland areas, lawns, kitchen gardens and seasonal projects. This position is ideal for someone with practical grounds maintenance or horticultural experience who is keen to broaden their skills within a high-quality private estate environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out all aspects of garden, grounds and woodland maintenance to a consistently high standard.
- Maintain lawns, borders, hedges, trees, shrubs and planted areas, including mowing, edging, pruning, mulching, planting and weed control.
- Assist with the maintenance and productivity of the kitchen garden, including vegetable production, harvesting, propagation and cut-flower cultivation.
- Monitor plant health, identifying pests, diseases, weeds and nutrient deficiencies, and assist in implementing appropriate treatments.
- Undertake seasonal tasks including planting, hedge cutting, leaf clearance, irrigation adjustments, storm clean-up and winter maintenance.
- Assist in the maintenance of lakes, ponds, springs and surrounding landscape features.
- Maintain paths, driveways, patios, fencing and other hard landscaped areas, carrying out minor repairs where appropriate.
- Assist with the day-to-day care of the estate's sheep and alpacas and be comfortable working around the family's dogs.
- Operate and maintain a range of estate machinery and equipment including tractors, mowers, toppers, strimmers, hedge cutters, blowers and chainsaws.
- Ensure all tools, machinery and equipment are used safely, maintained correctly and kept in good working order.
- Maintain high standards of presentation, cleanliness and health and safety across the estate.
- Work collaboratively with the Head Gardener and owners while continuing to develop practical horticultural and estate management skills.
General Requirements
- Genuine interest in horticulture, gardening and estate maintenance.
- Practical experience in a professional gardening, grounds maintenance or estate environment.
- Competence in operating and maintaining estate machinery, including tractors and chainsaws (chainsaw certification essential).
- Good plant knowledge and understanding of general horticultural practices.
- Experience working around livestock.
- Basic understanding of lakes, ponds or water feature maintenance would be beneficial.
- Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Reliable, punctual and self-motivated.
- Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Full UK driving licence.
Ideal Candidate
- Enthusiastic, practical and eager to learn.
- Takes pride in maintaining exceptionally high standards.
- Has a keen eye for detail and presentation.
- Able to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a small team.
- Enjoys the variety of work associated with a private estate environment.
- Open to learning from experienced horticultural professionals.
Hours & Practical Details
- 40 hours per week.
- Some weekend work and seasonal watering duties may be required.
- ASAP start.
What We Offer
- Supportive and encouraging working environment.
- Mentorship from an experienced Head Gardener.
- Opportunity to gain broad horticultural and estate management experience.
Pay: £38,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
