Senior Gardener

Senior Gardener - Vacancy

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate Senior Gardener to join a dedicated team of four at Shanks House, a beautiful private estate featuring a renowned garden designed by Tom Stuart Smith.

Set within the stunning North Dorset countryside, the estate encompasses formal gardens surrounding the main house, ornamental borders, vegetable gardens, fruit trees, mature specimen trees, parkland and wildflower meadows. The gardens combine strong structural design with naturalistic planting, creating a diverse and rewarding environment for an ambitious horticulturist.

The owners are deeply passionate about their garden and remain fully committed to its ongoing development and enhancement. This role offers the opportunity to contribute ideas, apply professional expertise, and play a key part in the continued evolution of a truly special private estate.

The Role

Working alongside the Head Gardener and wider team, you will help maintain and develop the gardens to an exceptionally high standard throughout the year. The role offers considerable variety across almost every aspect of horticulture, from ornamental gardening and productive growing to meadow management and seasonal displays.

The successful candidate will also be confident in liaising with and overseeing specialist contractors when required and may occasionally assist during estate visits or organised garden tours, representing the gardens in a professional and knowledgeable manner.

About You

We are seeking a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and hands on gardener with formal horticultural training and practical experience gained within a private estate, historic garden or similarly high quality horticultural environment.

You will have excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and a methodical approach to your work. A keen aesthetic eye, positive attitude and strong work ethic are essential, together with an understanding of the professionalism, discretion and presentation expected when working on a private estate.

Applicants should be physically fit, self motivated and possess excellent plant knowledge alongside a genuine passion for gardening and horticultural excellence.

Essential Requirements

• RHS Level 2 qualification (or equivalent)
• Proven experience within a private estate, historic garden or similar setting
• Strong practical horticultural skills and plant knowledge
• Competence in the operation of garden machinery, including:
  • Tractors
  • Chippers
  • Strimmers
  • Hedge cutters
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

• Chainsaw certification and experience
• Woodchipper certification
• PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates

Key Skills

• Rose care and maintenance
• Pruning of trees and shrubs
• Vegetable production and kitchen gardening
• Plant propagation
• Growing cut flowers
• Turf and lawn management
• Seasonal planting and display design
• Wildflower meadow establishment and management
• Contractor liaison and supervision

What We Offer

This is a rare opportunity to work within a highly regarded private garden where quality horticulture is valued and encouraged. The breadth of the estate ensures that no two weeks are the same, offering continual variety, learning and professional satisfaction.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary of £32,000-£35,000 per annum, dependent on experience
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Opportunity to work in a nationally recognised garden designed by Tom Stuart Smith
• Supportive owners with a genuine commitment to the continued improvement of the gardens
• Varied and rewarding work across a beautiful and diverse private estate