Description
An excellent opportunity has become available for a Head Gardener to join a stunning and prestigious traditional country family estate with an historic manor house, set in the heart of the Berkshire countryside near Newbury.
We are looking for someone who is hands-on, creative, enthusiastic and confident to take overall responsibility for managing and maintaining the gardens and grounds to the highest standards. The successful candidate will be able to project manage, work independently and bring a proactive, self-motivated approach to everything they do. A willingness to assist a small team and the family when needed is important, and flexibility is key to this role.
The main garden is currently being redesigned and new garden areas are soon to be developed across the estate — we want the new Head Gardener to be closely involved with these exciting projects from the outset. There are also several other properties on the estate with their own gardens that will require ongoing care and attention.
The Role
- Full care and maintenance of flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns, hedges, rose gardens and borders
- Planting, transplanting, fertilising, pruning, spraying, weeding, watering and managing pests and diseases
- Implementing and maintaining detailed landscape and seasonal planting plans
- Maintenance of garden structures, equipment and supplies, including the safe use of all machinery
- General groundskeeping: mowing, mulching, strimming, raking and upkeep of paths and driveways
- Greenhouse management including propagation of flowers, fruit and vegetables
- Care and management of the fruit orchard
- Swimming pool and tennis court maintenance
- Caring for the estate chickens and occasionally family pets
- Supporting ad hoc estate project work as required
- Liaising closely with the Estate Manager and the principals to deliver the owner’s vision for the garden
What We Are Looking For
- Solid, demonstrable experience in a similar Head Gardener or senior gardening role
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Proactive and self-motivated, with the confidence to manage your own workload
- A creative eye and genuine passion for horticulture and garden design
- Horticultural qualifications are desirable
- PA1/PA6 spraying certificates are desirable
- Good knowledge of trees and woodland management is a bonus
- A flexible and proactive attitude, willing to assist the team and the family when required
- A full, clean driving licence is essential
Details
Start Date As and when the right person is found
Working Hours Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
Flexibility Some weekend availability may be required
Location Near Newbury, Berkshire
Driving A full driving licence is essential
This is a wonderful opportunity for a passionate and skilled gardener to make their mark on a truly special estate.
Job Types: Temp to perm, Full-time
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Newbury, Berkshire: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience with operating tractors?
Licence/Certification:
- Chainsaw ticket (preferred)
Work Location: In person
