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Gardener

Employer
The Beth Chatto Gardens
Location
Colchester, Essex
Salary
Competitive salary based on experience
Closing date
25 Jan 2021

Applications are invited for the position of

GARDENER to join our small and busy garden team.

This is a full time, permanent position.

39 hours per week in summer/ 35 hours per week in winter (November to February inclusive)

Monday to Friday with occasional weekend working when required.

Hourly rate dependent on experience. Paid monthly.

An opportunity has arisen for a skilled and enthusiastic gardener to join our garden team at Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens. We are looking for someone who is hardworking, passionate about plants and possess a good understanding of horticultural practises. A positive, flexible attitude is
essential, along with a willingness to learn and adapt to the gardens’ philosophy and principles.

The 7-acre gardens near Colchester, Essex, were established in the 1960’s by renowned plantswoman Beth Chatto, who transformed an overgrown wasteland of poor gravel soil and boggy hollows into a series of informal gardens harmonising with the surrounding countryside. The gardens have become known as the home of the term “right plant, right place”.

Reporting to the Head Gardener, you will be working as part of a small team responsible for the maintenance and development of the gardens, ensuring they are beautifully kept and presented at all times. You will have formal qualifications at RHS Level 2 or equivalent and a solid knowledge of
plants, herbaceous perennials, as well as a keen eye for detail.
You will have excellent interpersonal skills, a proactive approach to work and be able to confidently talk knowledgably to visitors whilst working in the garden, answering their questions.

Job Summary
Main tasks include: weeding, deadheading, pruning, edging, pond care and soil preparation. It’s essential that you enjoy this type of gardening and are happy to undertake tasks of a routine nature. Tasks can be physically demanding at times. You also need the patience to care for areas
which need careful and selective hand weeding. It’s essential that the applicant should be physically fit and able to work outdoors throughout the year, in all weathers.

The successful candidate will need the following:

  • Minimum 2 years full-time experience of working in a garden
  • RHS Level 2 or equivalent
  • Good plant knowledge, herbaceous perennials in particular
  • A good attention to detail and high standards
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • A positive, flexible attitude
  • Strong teamwork skills, whilst also have the ability to work autonomously
  • PA1 & PA6 spraying certificate an advantage
  • Full, clean driving licence

In return you can expect a role within an independent family business where you will be valued and encouraged to continually develop your learning and skills and be part of our team of enthusiastic horticulturists with a never-ending variety of plants to work with.

Applications in writing in the form of a CV and a cover letter, including details of previous working experience to:

Personnel, The Beth Chatto Gardens, Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex, CO7 7DB,

or email applications to: vacancies@bethchatto.co.uk

Closing date 25th January 2021

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