Sole Gardener - Live In

Sole Gardener - Live In - Vacancy

A rewarding opportunity for a sole gardener (live in) to manage the grounds of a small private estate on the Northamptonshire/Oxfordshire border. Redeveloped in 2011, this lovely property has been the site of a mill house since before the Domesday Book and comprises paddocks, a grass meadow, a mill stream and 6 acres of largely informal gardens including a young orchard and extensive hedge and tree planting.

Duties

The day to day seasonal work is broad and varied, covering all aspects of herbaceous border care and development; lawn management; plant husbandry and propagation; soil improvement and compost production; field, tree and hedgerow planting and maintenance; stream management; orchard management; and wildlife conservation.

Planning and implementing new garden developments normally occupies centre stage in the winter months, providing scope to influence the development and character of the gardens in collaboration with the owners.

You will also be expected to maintain the estate's landscaping equipment and tools. The owners have other properties in the local area, where you may periodically be asked to carry out garden maintenance.

Skills

A passion for horticulture and plants is central, along with the enthusiasm and creativity to participate in the development and implementation of new plans for the gardens. An interest in the work of Piet Oudolf, Dan Pearson and other naturalistic landscape architects is helpful.

The ideal candidate will have more than three years of relevant experience and horticultural qualification to at least RHS Level 2 (or equivalent). Demonstrable plant knowledge and skill are essential, as is the ability to work safely and unsupervised.

You will need to be physically fit, self-sufficient and well organised, as well as competent in operating and maintaining a range of garden machinery. A chainsaw licence and PA1/PA6 spraying certificates will be needed. The best candidates will also have good basic DIY skills for tasks such as constructing planters; compost bins; as well as routine repairs to hard landscaping and fencing.

The role would suit a committed and thoughtful professional gardener looking for further career development and who will relish the opportunity to help shape an emerging landscape.

A modern 2 bedroom apartment in the nearby market town of Banbury is provided as accommodation (rent free, excluding bills) for the successful candidate. You will need your own transport and a clean UK driving licence.

Salary

Up to £32,000 DOE plus accommodation and pension contributions. Suitable training and professional development opportunities are also available by arrangement.

Working Hours

Normal working hours are Monday-Friday 8.30-4.30 with some seasonal variation.