Gardener / Estate Worker - Live In - EC5513

A very attractive opportunity has arisen for a practically-minded and experienced estate maintenance person / gardener to take ownership of a beautiful estate on a live-in, permanent basis.  The position, based near Esher in Surrey, would suit a physically fit, friendly gardener with excellent estate maintenance skills and a strong work ethic.

The 4-acre private gardens predominantly comprise open lawns and laurel hedging with low-maintenance beds, topiary box and mature trees.  Applicants should have a horticultural background and be competent in the operation and basic maintenance of garden machinery, including ride-on mowers.  There is no requirement for plant propagation or kitchen gardening, though candidates should be experienced private estate gardeners with good attention to detail.  Some experience of lawn care would be beneficial.

In addition to basic garden maintenance, the successful applicant must be well-versed in general estate maintenance, such that they are able to work confidently on their own and to solve problems as they arise.  Non-horticultural estate duties will include the basic care of a pond, swimming pool and tennis court, clearing gutters of leaves (from a ladder), keeping the paths and driveway clear, cleaning and refuelling of cars, minor indoor handyman duties (changing lightbulbs etc.), sourcing and managing contractors (tree surgery, plumbers, electricians etc.), care of dogs, cats and chickens when the owners are away, window cleaning (a few times per year only), airport runs (sometimes at unsociable times, 6 to 8 times yearly), take rubbish to the tip (3 to 4 times yearly), taking bins out to the road on a weekly basis, and other similar duties as they arise.

The family are an informal and friendly household, looking for a positive and trustworthy person to take pride in the management of their property.  Applicants must be positive in their outlook, friendly and easy-going, have a strong work ethic and have demonstrable experience in a similar role.  Applicants with academic horticultural qualifications and/or a strong private estates gardening and maintenance background are encouraged to apply.  Candidates must be non-smokers and hold a full UK driving licence.  The production of a DBS check (criminal background) may be required of applicants for this role.

This position is offered with a generous salary and a small two-bedroom cottage, located at the opposite end of the 4-acre garden to the main house.  Council tax, gas, water and electricity are all covered by the employer.  Single applicants or those with partners are welcome, as are pets within reason.  The property is unfortunately not suitable for applicants with dependent children.

This is an excellent opportunity for a practically-minded and experienced estate gardener to join a friendly family on their property in Surrey, on a full-time permanent basis.

SALARY:        £20,000 - 23,000 DOE + Accommodation       
LOCATION:    Esher, Surrey
JOB No:          EC5513

If this Gardener/Estate Worker 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 Gardener/Estate Worker 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 Gardener/Estate Worker vacancy will have been unsuccessful.