Sole Gardener

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced, enthusiastic, creative and committed sole gardener with great plant knowledge to maintain, improve and further enhance an English country garden situated 7 miles east of Chelmsford.

The estate covers 60 acres with the gardens comprises of formal lawns, lake, pond, herbaceous borders and woodland, a walled garden, kitchen garden and fruit trees. This mature garden contains extensive hedges of yew, holly, beech and box.

The successful candidate will have a hands-on role in the daily care and an opportunity to continue the development of the garden, having a great understanding of plants and horticulture. He/She will be someone who is passionate and takes pride in their work and will maintain the garden to a high horticultural standard. Will need to be self-motivated, organised, able to plan and prioritise workload.  This is a great opportunity for a motivated person to contribute to a fantastic garden and work in a beautiful landscape.

Responsible for:

Maintenance of the gardens

Weeding, deadheading, trimming, cut flowers and plants for the house

Care and management of plants, shrubs, lawns hedges and trees

Soft fruits and orchard work

Tree and shrub planting

Develop new projects when required

Maintenance of the kitchen garden

Maintenance of the woodland and public pathways

Garden machinery maintenance

Management/organisation of own schedule

Budget responsibility and keeping accurate paperwork

Clear understanding and working within Health and Safety regulations

Applicants must have:

Minimum Level 2 horticultural qualification or similar

Spray certificates (PA1 and PA6)

Chainsaw certificate an advantage

Positive, enthusiastic, trustworthy, and hardworking

Excellent plant knowledge coupled together with technical skills, experience of thinning/renovating mature shrubs and pest and disease knowledge would be ideal

Experience with demountable machinery e.g ride on mower, ATV’s and tractors would be required

Need to be able to communicate well with visiting contractors and the other members of the house team where necessary

Full driving licence is essential

A cleared DBS check will be required

First Aid Qualification would be a benefit

Will be required to work alone

Package:

Competitive Salary

28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)

40 hours per week (possible weekend and Bank Holiday work but time off in-lieu)

Pension

Interested applicants should forward their CV in the first instance to Chloe Smith including full contact details.

chloesmith@hamiahomes.co.uk