Gardener

A wonderful and varied opportunity has arisen for an experienced and well-rounded estate gardener, to join a beautiful 50 acres private estate on a full-time permanent basis in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire

The organic garden consists of formal areas including lawns, herbaceous borders, a kitchen garden, orchard, glasshouses, wildflower meadows, pond, and woodland.  The successful candidate will take responsibility in all aspects of the day to day maintenance and development of the formal gardens and surrounding estate as necessary.  The work will be interesting and varied and will include general gardening tasks such as weeding, pruning, grass cutting, strimming, mulching, hedge cutting, working at height, propagation, planting, management of herbaceous borders and the woodland whilst utilising organic principles.

Applicants must have proven gardening experience and a passion for horticulture and will ideally hold academic horticultural qualifications and certificates.  Applicants should be self-motivated, physically fit/strong and energetic.  The ability to work well unsupervised, is essential.  Applicants must be comfortable with the safe operation of a wide range of garden machinery, with excellent practical skills and knowledge of safe working practices.  Physical fitness and strength are paramount as the role will involve the occasional lifting and moving of heavy objects/supplies.  A keen eye for detail, high standards, a flexible can-do approach to your work and a positive attitude are essential.  Knowledge of organic gardening principles, and ideally hold chain saw certificates.  Due to the rural location of the site, a driving licence and own vehicle is essential.

This is a rare opportunity to join a beautiful estate in the heart of the Ribble Valley and to take on a genuine lifestyle position on a permanent full-time basis.  Applicants must currently live within a reasonable commuting distance to the Ribble Valley.

SALARY:       Circa £20,000 to £24,000 depending on experience

LOCATION:  Ribble Valley