Head Gardener - Country Estate

An excellent opportunity has become available for a Head Gardener to join a stunning and prestigious traditional country family estate with an historic manor house, set in the heart of the Berkshire countryside near Newbury.

We are looking for someone who is hands on, creative, enthusiastic and confident to take overall responsibility for managing and maintaining the gardens and grounds to the highest standards. The successful candidate will be able to project manage, work independently and bring a proactive, self motivated approach to everything they do. A willingness to assist a small team and the family when needed is important, and flexibility is key to this role.

The main garden is currently being redesigned and new garden areas are soon to be developed across the estate - we want the new Head Gardener to be closely involved with these exciting projects from the outset. There are also several other properties on the estate with their own gardens that will require ongoing care and attention.

The Role

• Full care and maintenance of flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns, hedges, rose gardens and borders
• Planting, transplanting, fertilising, pruning, spraying, weeding, watering and managing pests and diseases
• Implementing and maintaining detailed landscape and seasonal planting plans
• Maintenance of garden structures, equipment and supplies, including the safe use of all machinery
• General groundskeeping: mowing, mulching, strimming, raking and upkeep of paths and driveways
• Greenhouse management including propagation of flowers, fruit and vegetables
• Care and management of the fruit orchard
• Swimming pool and tennis court maintenance
• Caring for the estate chickens and occasionally family pets
• Supporting ad hoc estate project work as required
• Liaising closely with the Estate Manager and the principals to deliver the owner's vision for the garden

What We Are Looking For

• Solid, demonstrable experience in a similar Head Gardener or senior gardening role
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Proactive and self motivated, with the confidence to manage your own workload
• A creative eye and genuine passion for horticulture and garden design
• Horticultural qualifications are desirable
• PA1/PA6 spraying certificates are desirable
• Good knowledge of trees and woodland management is a bonus
• A flexible and proactive attitude, willing to assist the team and the family when required
• A full, clean driving licence is essential

Details

Start Date: As and when the right person is found

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week

Flexibility: Some weekend availability may be required

Location: Near Newbury, Berkshire

Driving: A full driving licence is essential

This is a wonderful opportunity for a passionate and skilled gardener to make their mark on a truly special estate.

This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. English Country Gardeners are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.

If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please click here and the Royal Horticultural Society, please click here.

For more gardener roles please click here.

Tagged as: full time, head gardener, historic estate, Newbury