Experienced Gardener - Live Out - EC4259

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a gardener to join a developing 26 acre private estate in Oxfordshire.  The extensive project involves the conversion of a farm estate into a private residential garden.  Applicants must have good horticultural knowledge and a passion for creating and maintaining beautiful gardens.  A level 2 horticultural qualification or higher would be beneficial.

The estate is currently a ‘blank canvas’ with established designs in place for a large lake and duck island, jetty and shepherd’s hut.  A new house is being built, with garages, a helipad, and extensive formal gardens featuring a kitchen garden, rose garden, fruit trees, mixed herbaceous borders, formal lawns, surrounding meadows and existing mature trees.  One other staff member currently works from an estate maintenance perspective, and the site is currently being maintained by a local contract gardening company.

Responsibilities of the new gardener will include planting, pruning, bed/border and turf maintenance (mowing using various types of machines, scarifying, spiking, top dressing, re-seeding, weed control, pest and disease control, repairing and renovating lawns), plant propagation and general grounds maintenance. 

Applicants will be required to work independently but also as part of team when required, abide by health and safety rules and regulations, and keep accurate records of chemical and dangerous substances used. Applicants with kitchen gardening experience and knowledge of nursery stock/greenhouse plant management are encouraged to apply.  The successful applicant may be required to carry out alternative estate gardening tasks as instructed.

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of NVQ level 2 in Horticulture and will have experience of working in an amenity horticultural environment.  Applicants must have good plant knowledge and an understanding of correct horticultural practices, experience of pruning young trees, shrubs, roses and ornamentals, and ideally have some experience in fine turf management.  Candidates should have good physical fitness, spray certificates (PA1/6), a full driving licence and a strong and flexible work ethic.  An ability to drive a tractor would be beneficial, as would a chainsaw certificate.  You may also be required to work on other gardens within the portfolio in the local area.  Candidates must be happy to work around animals (cows, chickens, pigs) as some assistance with herding may be required at times.

This is a full-time permanent role; hours 08:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday.  Additional training courses and development will be offered to the right candidate.

If this position is of interest please apply, or contact our office and speak with Mark Hudson.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Experienced Gardener vacancy.  Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Experienced Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.