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Market Gardener - Live In/Live Out - EC6871

Employer
English Country Gardeners
Location
Maidstone, Kent
Salary
£28,000 - £35,000 DoE (and if accommodation is required)
Closing date
18 Aug 2019

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

A rare and fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced individual to develop a large market garden on a sizeable estate in Maidstone, Kent.

Currently the market garden occupies 10 acres and it is likely that this would be expanded in the future. The garden comprises of apple, pear, plum and cherry orchards chosen for flavour not yield. A dozen varieties of strawberries and raspberries are grown mainly of rare heritage varieties. The glass houses are derelict and will require replacement.

The mission is to grow the very finest varieties of the very finest fruits, vegetables and herbs. These may be traditional or non-traditional. The estate is associated with an artisanal food business so that although this is not a commercial enterprise the produce would be supplied to the business as well as to the family. For this reason, knowledge of prevailing rules and regulations is vital.

The project will include the reinstatement of the glasshouses and a full landscaping program. It is envisaged that the landscaping element would be a joint project with the estate head gardener. The role will require a Market gardener of exceptional knowledge and experience in succession planting, cultivation of vegetables, fruit, herbs, edible flowers and micro herbs. He / she will be capable of building a team with the aim of creating a market garden of scale, productivity, diversity and beauty using the most effective sustainable methods. The position is autonomous but would require cooperation with the estate head gardener.

Applicants for this role must have extensive horticultural knowledge in terms of market/kitchen garden management and the continuous supply of high-quality produce.  Clear and regular communication with the owners will be required throughout the development of the garden and to supply the required fruit and vegetables. A good working knowledge of propagation, organic pest and disease management and good plant husbandry is essential. As well as good understanding of Health and safety legislation is also required.

This exciting position will suit an applicant of great knowledge and enthusiasm who has the desire and ambition to create a garden of rare distinction growing superior produce. Great technical skill is a must as is a high level of organisational skill. A two- or three-bedroom cottage could be provided for the successful applicant if they require and salary would be adjusted accordingly.

SALARY:       £28,000 - £35,000 DoE (and if accommodation is required)

LOCATION:   Maidstone 

JOB No:         EC6871

If this Market Gardener vacancy is of interest please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

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

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