Skip to main content

This job has expired

Sole Gardener - Live Out - EC7048

Employer
English Country Gardeners
Location
Bramley, Guildford
Salary
£27,000 - £30,000 DOE
Closing date
23 Oct 2019

View more

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

An experienced multi-skilled estate gardener is required to maintain and develop a beautiful private garden near Guildford in Surrey, on behalf of a welcoming and appreciative family.  Applications are sought from qualified professionals with experience of managing private estate gardens autonomously, to a high standard.  A generous salary and pension contributions are offered in return for commitment to the garden, attention to detail and a positive friendly character.

The stunning 15th century rurally located property overlooks a large lake and is backed by mature woodland and open grassland.  With a view over the Surrey Hills, the three-acre formal garden comprise expansive lawns, formal and mixed herbaceous beds/borders, wildflower slopes, shrubberies, fruit trees, yew and box topiary, climbing roses, hedges, mature specimen trees, as well as a sun garden, swimming pool and a tennis court.

The ideal candidate will be academically qualified to Level 2 (or above) with at least five years’ experience of managing private estate gardens as a Sole or Skilled Gardener and/or equivalent relevant experience.  Applicants should be physically fit hands-on gardeners with experience of managing small garden budgets and their own time efficiently.  Competence in the operation and basic maintenance of a wide range of garden machinery is essential, as is good plant knowledge and that of seasonal garden management.  Applicants should have experience with plant propagation, correct species-specific pruning techniques (wisteria, roses, young trees etc.), identification and treatment of plant pests and diseases, lawn care (scarifying, aerating, seeding, weed/feed application etc.), as well as an ability and willingness to carry out other associated estate duties as they arise.  Spray certificates (PA1/6) Chainsaw license (CS30/31) are desirable but not essential.  The Sole Gardener will be responsible for ensuring the security arrangements for garden buildings and stores are observed at all times.

Candidates with an open, positive approach to estate gardening are sought, as there will be some additional, relatively infrequent duties required of the successful candidate to ensure the smooth running of the estate.  Such duties may include preparing the garden/grounds for spring and winter, i.e. storage and treatment of garden furniture and equipment, the moving of furniture for events as necessary, basic maintenance/cleaning of guttering, outdoor buildings, lighting etc., restocking of the log store and baskets in the house when necessary, taking out bins for collection, visits to the local refuse centre when required.  The Sole Gardener will also be responsible for basic regular pool maintenance, i.e. checking the ph. levels, backwashing etc.  The successful applicants will need to be comfortable around the family dog and be willing to help with hens.  Candidates must be willing and able to source contractors on an ad-hoc basis, when necessary, for projects such as larger clearances, tree work, larger fencing projects, water storage systems etc.  The property owner will work directly with the successful candidate with a view to purchasing additional tools and machinery that is deemed necessary to fulfil the job role efficiently.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a welcoming family of five (and a housekeeper) on their stunning private estate on a full-time permanent basis.  A flexible, positive and helpful attitude is desired as is a conscientious, pro-active, hardworking and reliable approach.  Good communication skills are key as the Sole Gardener will be happy to take general direction at times from either principal in relation to the overall vision for the garden.  Applicants should be able to liaise with contractors as needed, and most of all, be loyal and honest at all times in order to maintain the happy working environment which is so important to the property owners.

Working hours will comprise 40-hours per week; Monday – Friday (approx. 8am start), with no weekend working unless specifically required.  Holiday entitlement includes 28-days (including Bank Holidays).  A full UK driving licence and your own transport is required for this role as the property is located rurally.

SALARY:       £27,000 - £30,000 DOE

LOCATION:   Bramley, Surrey

JOB No:         EC7048

If this Sole 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 Sole 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 Sole Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert