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Head Gardener / Gardener

Employer
Kirkman Bank
Location
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Salary
£25,000-£30,000 per annum
Closing date
3 Mar 2019

Knaresborough
£25,000-£30,000 per annum
Kirkman Bank

Enthusiastic Head Gardener / Gardener required for landscape and gardens designed by Tom Stuart-Smith in historic 8.4 acre setting.

The heritage setting and gardens are comprised of park, woodland, walled garden, small glasshouse and ornamental planting.

General conditions of employment

  • In general the job would comprise 40 hours a week
  • You would be expected to undertake sufficient work at times of your own choosing to keep the garden in a good state of health and a high quality of finish..
  • It is possible that by good management weekend work will not be necessary other than watering in hot weather, which could be arranged automatically. It is not anticipated that you would need to be “on call” at weekends.
  • It would however be desirable for a longer day to be worked in summer and a shorter day in winter.
  • 28 days holiday per annum (this includes statutory holidays) No accrual of unused holiday.
  • Holidays to be taken at reasonable times that do not conflict with the proper management and upkeep of the garden.
  • Details of Salary, Health Insurance and Pension contributions to be negotiated.

Duties

You will be responsible for the maintenance and management of the entire outdoor area under the employer’s ownership. This will include:

  • Working alongside the landscape contractor during the construction period with a view to a phased handover of areas for maintenance
  • Maintenance of all plantings, excellent horticultural knowledge is a key requirement
  • Weed control of the whole site; note that this will need to be by organic means whenever possible
  • All supporting wires and stakes should be regularly checked to maintain plant support and removed when deemed unnecessary
  • Advising on need for tree surgery and carrying this out where it is within your competence
  • Maintenance of all lawn areas
  • Seasonal bulb planting as required
  • Maintenance of all drives, paths, terraces and tracks
  • Managing the irrigation system and hand watering as required
  • Mulching should be topped up regularly to maintain an adequate depth within planting beds,
  • Maintenance of any garden features, e.g. sculpture, seating
  • Checking drains
  • The maintenance of equipment, keeping machinery in good working condition and undertaking any minor repairs.
  • Pest control; almost always by organic methods will be required
  • Manage composting of waste on site.
  • Organic vegetable production in designated area.
  • Limited maintenance of external lighting (replacing bulbs)
  • There will be a small glasshouse.
  • Regularly liaise with the employer.
  • You should give a short weekly report by email or in person covering your work during the previous week or as agreed with employer
  • Liaison with any professionals, landscape contractors and maintenance contractors, neighbours and suppliers to insure the effective management of the site.
  • Provide cut flowers, fruit, veg for the house and sometimes to take away.

Support and Facilities

It is envisaged you will be solely responsible for maintaining the gardens and associated work. It is also anticipated that some mechanical tasks such as hedge cutting and meadow cutting may be contracted out. You would be expected to supervise this work. 

There will be a garden account for the purchase of materials and equipment up to an agreed value.

Accommodation is not provided.

Notice

Two months’ notice

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