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Head Gardener - Live In

Employer
Adlington Hall and Gardens
Location
Adlington, England
Salary
Negotiable for the right person
Closing date
29 Nov 2019

Head Gardener – live in 

A wonderful opportunity for an enthusiastic, skilled and hands on head gardener to lead a small team on a private estate in Cheshire. The estate is privately owned and has a Grade 1 listed Hall. The grounds surrounding the Hall comprise 65 acres and include; formal gardens, a maze, parterre, rose garden, lawns, Walled garden and woodlands. 

The Head Gardener will report to the owner and will have a hands-on role in the daily care and continuous development of the garden. 

The successful candidate must be enthusiastic, highly organised, physically fit and willing to work autonomously. They must be self-motivated, passionate and take pride in their work, whilst being able to identify and prioritise their time and that of 2 other estate/gardens staff. 

A minimum of 5 years’ experience as a head gardener on a private estate is requested, with a horticultural qualification essential - RHS level 3 or higher and excellent plant identification skills. A good level of health and safety knowledge is important, competency in the operation and basic maintenance of garden machinery is needed too. They will be able to identify a wide range of plants, pests and diseases, together with knowledge of their requirements to thrive. 

Duties and responsibilities 

  •  Maintain and enhance all garden areas of the estate. 
  • Responsible for managing the gardening team, including volunteers. 
  • Ensure the gardens team work in a safe, secure and compliant environment whilst fulfilling health and safety obligations, including appropriate use of PPE. 
  • Ensure all garden machinery is properly serviced and maintained at all times and is safe to use. 
  • Consult regularly (annually and as required) with a tree surgeon to ensure all trees are in a safe condition. 
  • Take an active role in design, improvement and development of the gardens. 

Knowledge, skills and experience 

  • Significant practical experience in horticulture, supported by appropriate qualifications to RHS level 3 (or equivalent level of vocational experience). 
  • PA1 and PA6 – Spraying 
  • Chain saw certificates – CS30 CS31 and CS32 
  • Qualified NPTC for Compact Tractor, Trailer, Quad bike, Hedge Cutters 
  • Good level of plantsmanship/plant husbandry skills. Knowledge of a range of horticultural techniques covering a varied range of plant types. 
  • Leadership skills including coaching, team development, motivation and communication. 
  • Good written and verbal communication skills including public presentation. 
  • Experience in managing small contracts and projects. 
  • Must be able to drive and have a clean driving license. 

Hours: 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday (although the head gardener will be required to have some seasonal flexibility) 

Holidays: 20 days per annum, rising to a maximum of 25 days. 

Accommodation: a 2/3-bedroom cottage with its own garden, is located on the estate, within a short walking distance of the main house. Council tax covered by the employer, with the successful candidate being liable for their utility bills. 

Salary: Negotiable for the right person 

To apply please email CV with covering letter by clicking on the 'Apply' button at the top or bottom of this advert

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