Gardener - Historic Estate, Dorset

A fantastic opportunity has arisen on a large historic estate in West Dorset, for an experienced gardener in search of a rewarding role within a small team. This role will suit a skilled and practical gardener with 3-5 years' experience and a genuine love for their profession.

This nationally significant 'Capability' Brown-designed landscape extends to over 40 acres and dates back more than 400 years. Grade I listed and open to the public, it is recognised as an outstanding example of English landscape design. The rich and varied gardens comprise sweeping lawns, a large ornamental lake, and extensive areas of mature woodland and parkland. These are interspersed with an impressive collection of specimen trees. Formal areas of ornamental planting, including herbaceous beds and borders, deliver seasonal colour and texture, complemented by a productive glasshouse used for propagation and seasonal displays.

Reporting to the Gardens Supervisor, the successful candidate will assist in the maintenance of the gardens and grounds and conduct a range of horticultural and landscape maintenance operations. The position would suit a knowledgeable gardener with private estate gardening experience and a strong working knowledge of a range of garden machinery including pedestrian, ride-on and ideally, tractor mounted mowers. The ideal candidate will hold a recognised horticultural qualification, spraying certificate (PA1/PA6) and preferably a chainsaw and UTV certificate, though the latter is not essential at this stage. As the gardens are open to the public, the gardener should be comfortable with talking to visitors.

Applications are sought from experienced gardeners with academic qualifications, e.g. a National Certificate or the first year of an ND or HND, RHS Level 2, or other qualifications in the theory of horticulture. A driving licence is essential for the role, with Spray, Chainsaw and UTV certifications desired but not essential so long as strong horticultural knowledge can be demonstrated. 3-5 years' experience of practical horticulture is desired, as is an eye for detail, an ability to work well alone and as part of a team, and a willingness to learn and assist on the estate where necessary to ensure the smooth running of the gardens.

This is a full-time permanent role offering 40-hours per week on a year-round basis, with 30-days' holiday (including Bank Holidays), an employer pension contribution and Westfield Health Care. Hours of work are 08:00 - 16:30, Monday to Friday.

SALARY: Circa £32,500 DOE

LOCATION: West Dorset

JOB No: EC72775