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Head Gardener (Live out) - EC4639

Employer
English Country Gardeners
Location
Stafford, Staffordshire
Salary
Circa £35,000
Closing date
12 Aug 2018

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Contract Type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time
Function
Gardening Jobs
Sector
Horticultural Specialist

An excellent career opportunity has arisen for an experienced Sole, Senior, Deputy Head or Head Gardener on a beautiful estate in Stafford.  This position would suit a knowledgeable and flexible gardener with the desire to play a key role in the management and development of a diverse NGS garden.  The client is happy to accept applications from candidates looking to take a step up in their gardening career.

The impressive 7-acre garden consists of several formal ‘rooms’ of different styles plus a 5-acre field/paddock, set within open farmland in rural Stafford.    A wildlife pool and stream deliver a dynamic element to the garden, with surrounding woodland providing contrast.  A greenhouse and a new vegetable garden allow plant propagation and the production of food for the estate, with mixed/herbaceous borders surrounded by extensive box and yew hedging.  Areas of topiary are managed by external contractors for 10 days per year, though applicants should be well-versed in the process in order to maintain quality.

The garden is open to the public through the NGS and other private open days, thereby highlighting the owners’ enthusiasm and involvement in the property.  The owners intend to increase the number of openings through the summer, as well as to host wedding receptions and other private functions.  The lure of the gardens is a primary factor in the number of appointments made on the estate with this respect, so the incoming Head Gardener must possess the desire to see improvement on an on-going basis. There is scope for further development throughout the garden and as such, applicants with experience in garden design are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will be responsible for one full-time gardener and one part-time staff member.

The Head Gardener will manage all aspects of garden care; planting, pruning, bed and border development and maintenance, mowing and lawn care, kitchen gardening, plant propagation and caring for sculpture, water features and the greenhouse. Other duties include overseeing basic swimming pool maintenance and associated contractors, general security of the house and outbuildings, with the occasional basic care of friendly domestic animals. The Head Gardener will also be expected to support preparation for functions and events, e.g. setting up chairs, on an ad-hoc basis.  Some minor property maintenance may be required on an emergency basis, so applicants with good DIY skills are welcome, though the primary focus of the role remains on garden improvement and management. Applicants should be confident in delivering interesting and informative garden tours when required.  Excellent communication skills are essential as the Head Gardener will also be involved in promoting the garden via various media channels.  

Applicants must possess excellent horticultural knowledge, physical fitness, a strong work ethic, a positive character and genuine enthusiasm for their profession.  Candidates must have demonstrable experience of garden management on private estates at sole, senior or head level, and should be qualified to RHS Level 2 or 3, or equivalent.  The ability to confidently operate and provide basic maintenance to garden machinery is required.  Spray and chainsaw certification would be ideal, though training may be provided for candidates that excel in other areas.  Excellent time management skills are essential, as is the ability to plan, organise and manage the garden care calendar.  Applicants will be required to supervise apprentices, part-time staff and on occasion, external contractors.

Working hours will be 08.30 - 17.00 Monday to Friday with weekend working to support garden openings. Holiday entitlement includes 20 days plus time off in lieu for garden openings and overtime.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this 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 will have been unsuccessful.

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

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

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