Estate Gardener - Private Estate Nr Basingstoke, Hampshire

Estate Gardener - Vacancy

We are looking for a well-rounded horticulturalist to help further improve the grounds and gardens within a private Grade-1 listed Lutyens property. Other than being a professional who can comfortably take their hand to a range of horticultural disciplines, we would like to find somebody with a genuine interest and enthusiasm for herbaceous and seasonal ornamental displays. The ideal candidate will eventually be expected to take ownership of all floral displays proximate to the main house and within the walled-kitchen garden, as well as cut flower production. The gardens and grounds comprise a gentle mixture of formal and informal design styles and are managed in an ecologically sensitive manner.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership and improve the established ornamental herbaceous displays close to the house and within the walled kitchen garden, supplemented by seasonal annual production
• Provide the house with seasonal cut-flowers generated through perennial and annual schemes via a dedicated space within the walled kitchen garden
• Manage and maintain the permanent container displays around the property utilising at least a 3-season display turn around
• Aid other gardening and house staff in a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:
  • General help in the walled kitchen garden (such as watering, harvesting and processing of produce)
  • Occasional lawn care duties including mowing and strimming
  • Help in keeping the grounds and gardens looking their best by weeding and tidying as required
  • Occasional help cleaning and maintaining the swimming pool and various external artworks

Candidate profile Essential Qualifications

• At least a Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent, with at least 3 years' work experience within a similar role
• Strong plant knowledge and competencies in a variety of horticultural practices including propagation, seasonal maintenance of mixed planting schemes, species specific pruning, and composting
• Ability to identify plant pests and diseases, and manage them in an environmentally sensitive manner
• Ability to plan production in advance, operate within a schedule, and prioritise demands - excellent time management
• Willingness to work in all weathers, and with a flexible attitude to embrace wider estate requirements
• Familiarity with the safe use of a range of hand tools and operation of powered machinery
• Familiarity with relevant health and safety guidelines
• Presentable in appearance at all times with excellent communication skills
• Ability to work well on your own and with others
• Reliable, organised, self motivated and proactive
• Fit, able, and with a good, positive attitude towards work
• Confident in the use of computers for general admin and planning

Desirable Qualifications

• PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates
• Tractor and trailer certificates, or experience driving a compact tractor with front end loader
• Operate ride on and pedestrian lawn mowers
• Wildflower meadow maintenance
• Experience with the maintenance of irrigation systems
• Experience in swimming pool maintenance

Salary

Attractive, commensurate with experience.

Working hours

Full time permanent position. Monday Friday, with weekend duties shared between staff (no more often than once per month).

Benefits

20 days paid holiday + bank holidays.