Job Description: Assistant Gardener / Junior Gardener (Private Estate)
Overview
A fantastic entry-level opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated Junior Gardener to begin a career in private estate gardening. Working as part of a small, supportive gardening team on a beautiful private estate near Burford, the role offers hands-on experience across formal gardens, lawns, productive areas and seasonal projects.
Working under the close guidance of an experienced Head Gardener and alongside an established Assistant Gardener, this position is ideally suited to someone newly qualified, recently trained, or seeking their first role in professional horticulture.
The gardens have undergone an exciting redesign by a renowned garden designer, making this an excellent time to join and learn within a dynamic and evolving environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out all aspects of grounds maintenance in an approved manner
- Assist with day-to-day garden maintenance including weeding, planting, mulching, mowing, strimming and general garden care
- Maintenance of flower, shrub and rose beds, including edging of grass areas
- Pruning of shrubs, plants and roses under instruction
- Support seasonal gardening tasks such as planting, propagation, soil preparation and basic glasshouse work
- Assist with lawn care to ensure lawns are presented to a consistently high standard
- Knowledge and operation of garden tools and the use of grass cutters and other garden machinery and equipment safely (training provided where required)
- Assist with vegetable and cut-flower gardens to support produce and flowers for the house
- Strong emphasis on safe working practices with regard to fellow workers and the wider estate
- Keep paths, beds and working areas tidy and presentable at all times
- Follow instructions from the Head Gardener or Assistant Gardener and work collaboratively within the gardening team
- Learn and develop practical horticultural skills through hands-on experience
Requirements
- A genuine interest in gardening and outdoor work
- Some basic horticultural training, college course, qualification or practical experience (formal qualifications not essential)
- Willingness to learn, take instruction and develop skills
- Physically fit, hard working and comfortable with manual outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Reliable and punctual
- Positive attitude with good attention to detail
- Basic understanding of garden tools and safe working practices (training can be given)
- Must be able to drive
Ideal Candidate
- Early-career, newly qualified or looking to start a professional gardening career
- Energetic, enthusiastic and eager to learn
- Hands-on, practical and willing to get stuck in
- Takes pride in their work and enjoys working to high standards
- Open to mentoring and learning from experienced gardeners
- Enjoys working as part of a small, close-knit team on a private estate
Hours & Practical Details
- 40 hours per week, including some weekend /seasonal watering when required
- April start
What We Offer
- A supportive and encouraging environment ideal for learning and development
- Hands-on training and mentorship from an experienced Head Gardener
- Opportunity to gain broad experience across ornamental, productive and formal gardening
- The chance to be involved in the ongoing development of an exciting garden redesign project
If you are keen to begin a career in horticulture, enjoy physical outdoor work, and are enthusiastic about learning on a beautiful private estate, please send your CV to us.
Pay: £27,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
