Head Gardener (Live In) - EC4716

A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Gardener to play a leading role on one of England’s beautiful and historic private estates.  The role would suit a dedicated and enthusiastic plants person with excellent time management skills and the desire to manage from a hands-on perspective.

Nestled in beautiful countryside on the Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire border, this working estate and historic family home has been inhabited by the same family for almost 400 years.  The stunning gardens, which the current owners have improved over many years, are open to the public from May to September each year and play host to weddings and events throughout the summer months.  The gardens require management to a high degree of detail in order to maintain the standards expected by visitors, and the owners themselves.

The 12 acres gardens comprise numerous rooms that include formal lawns, large herbaceous borders, an orangery, flower garden, a shrub garden, an arboretum, wilderness garden, orchard, water features (including a lily pond), extensive yew hedges, a large heated glasshouse and areas of magnificent topiary.  The main house walls and associated buildings hold impressive stretches of wisteria complimented by dense lavender borders.  Striking box parterres located on the South Front enhance the overall character of this classic English country garden.

An experienced Head Gardener is required to efficiently manage one under gardener and other part time staff, ensuring that the gardens are presented and maintained to the highest standard at all times.  It is important that the Head Gardener shares the owners’ passion for these historic gardens, such that they are able to present themselves as an ambassador for the estate through the occasional delivery of garden talks and guided tours during the summer open gardens period.

Applicants for this opportunity should possess excellent horticultural knowledge and demonstrable experience in the management of each of the above features, ideally within a historic garden setting.  Candidates should have experience of private estate garden management at Senior or Head Gardener level, health and safety knowledge from a training and practical aspect, experience of supervising staff and maintaining machinery.  Excellent time and staff management skills are essential, as is a good level of physical fitness and the willingness to lead by example.

The Head Gardener will be required to set up and manage nursery propagating facilities to provide plants for the garden and some cut flowers for the house.  The position is full time and will require some weekend work, during the summer. The Head Gardener will be encouraged to discuss new ideas with the owners. There are no non-horticultural duties required of the Head Gardener.

This excellent opportunity is provided with a three-bedroomed house in the village that backs onto parkland.  Children are welcome, as are pets within reason.  Council tax and rates are included, and a generous negotiable salary is offered in line with suitable applicants’ experience and knowledge.  Applicants should be non-smokers and must hold a full UK driving licence.

It is important to note that applicants for this role should be willing to commit to the position on a long-term basis.  This historic and nationally significant estate will remain in the family for many more years to come, with the next generation being just as passionate about the gardens as the current.

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englsihcountrygardeners.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 every one.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.