Head Gardener

Private Estate, Sussex coast

An exciting opportunity for an experienced gardener to join a friendly team at a compact Sussex estate in an AONB just outside Chichester. The gardens and glasshouses surround a Grade II* listed house and include a walled rose garden, small kitchen garden, herbaceous borders, and some topiary. The ideal candidate will have excellent all round gardening skills and good plant knowledge. Experience in the maintenance of informal long grass areas, the establishing of meadows and in the long-term, a water meadow would be useful but not essential as this is an area we are keen to develop.

You would be a welcome addition to our friendly team as we embark on a new landscaping vision with an emphasis on natural vs formalized landscaping for the property – although the formal aspects such as the walled rose garden and some borders will remain.

This is an opportunity that would suit an experienced assistant gardener looking to transition to a Head Gardener role with on-hand, knowledgeable and empathetic support from us the owners, the part-time support team including our former Head Gardener (40+ years) who is taking well-deserved retirement but available a couple of days a week to assist in transition as required. You will be independent but willing to work alongside others and in addition, be open to the occasional advice of a professional garden designer to help build a sustainable gardening model for the next few decades and beyond.

Confidence with machinery and good time management essential.  This is a varied and interesting role which requires the candidate to be physically fit and happy to work outside in most weather. The schedule is a 35 hour week, with normal hours Mon-Fri 8am-4pm though this might change seasonally by arrangement.

A positive attitude is essential.  Competitive salary of £33k - £35K DOE. Separate accommodation available. References required. Please send CV and covering letter. We look forward to hearing from you.