Estate Gardener

Our beautiful 55-acre estate, adjacent to Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, offers a stunning environment to work in. We offer fantastic opportunities for horticulture professionals to enjoy a fulfilling career with us and develop their skills.

Description and dimensions of role:

As a member of the horticultural team you will be responsible, alongside the other gardeners and under the direction of the Estate Supervisor, for the day to day maintenance of the garden, glasshouse and wider landscapes of the estate.

You will assist in the ongoing development of the garden maintenance plans and be able to demonstrate a flexible approach to working as a member of the estate gardening team. While the work is predominantly horticulturally focused the post holder may be required to undertake other tasks from time to time.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Work under the direction of the Estate Supervisor in relation to all works carried out on the site.
• Maintain a high standard of horticulture through the application of specialist horticultural skills in order to sustain and develop a world-class garden.
• Carry out seasonal gardening duties across the site including but not limited to the walled garden, glasshouse, village area and wider landscape.
• Undertake horticultural tasks including but not limited to: grass cutting, edging, pruning, dead heading, training, weeding, planting, glasshouse maintenance, propagation, hedge cutting, hard landscape maintenance, composting, staking, applying pesticides, producing and harvesting crops/plants/cut flowers for use in the main house along with any other tasks required  .
• Comply with all current Health and Safety legislation.
• Undertake work related to development projects in the garden and wider landscape.
• Communicate health and safety issues to the Estate Supervisor and take responsibility for stopping work and the work of others if you believe any acts to be dangerous or negligent to the person or those around, including but not limited to other staff, contractors and visitors.
• Prepared to work at height.

Knowledge/experience/qualifications/skills:

• A broad knowledge of garden, glasshouse and landscape maintenance, ideally gleaned on a private estate, historic or botanic garden setting
• Ability to work at speed while delivering consistently high-quality horticulture and finish/presentation
• A minimum of a level 3 horticultural qualification (NDH / RHS l3 / HNC)
• A minimum of 3 years hands-on experience as a full-time gardener
• A PA1 and PA6a Pesticides Application qualification
• Demonstrable horticultural skills and the ability to work alone or with small teams
• Capacity to communicate clearly in both written and oral forms
• Broader experience of property and/or estate management would be desirable