Assistant Tea Keeper

Tregothnan; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned botanical estate in Cornwall is seeking an Assistant Tea Keeper to learn about tea cultivation in the UK's largest tea garden. This full-time position involves planting, managing, and harvesting tea plants, while also operating machinery. The ideal candidate will have a passion for horticulture and basic IT skills. A UK driving licence is essential due to the rural location. Competitive salary and a range of benefits are offered.

Benefits

Possibility of accommodation

29 days holiday including bank holidays

Health care cash back plan

Discount schemes with retailers

On-the-job training and mentoring

Qualifications

• A passion for horticulture or agriculture is essential.
• Experience in operating and maintaining machinery is required.
• Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Plant and manage tea plants on the Estate.
• Support increased production of tea.
• Harvest and process tea while maintaining equipment.

Skills

Passion for horticulture / agriculture

Proficiency in operating machinery

Basic IT skills

Good communication skills

Full UK driving licence

Tools

Tractor

Brush cutter

Job description

ASSISTANT TEA KEEPER

Salary from £26,000pa, depending on experience

Permanent, full-time, 40 hrs pw, Mon‑Fri

Based on the outskirts of Truro, Cornwall

About Us

The Tregothnan Estate is a private family home with a world‑renowned botanical garden. The Estates maintenance, gardening, forestry and joinery employees support the core estate and manage the beautiful surroundings on the edge of the River Fal. The Estate is also a landlord with a substantial portfolio of residential, commercial, and agricultural properties.

The Estate produces tea (the first in the UK), honey and jam; delivers experiences including Garden and Tea Tasting Tours; and rents fabulous holiday accommodation, between the tea and the sea. The Estate is diverse in its activities and the job roles it provides. The teams have a great community spirit, the surroundings are inspiring, and the work is always interesting. Working at Tregothnan is being part of Cornwall's heritage and its modern future.

Benefits

• Salary from £26,000pa, depending on experience.
• Possibility of accommodation to rent, depending on availability.
• 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.00am‑4.00pm. Some flexibility will be required regarding days and times of work, to meet business needs.
• 29 days holiday, including bank holidays.
• Health care cash back plan.
• Discount scheme with high street and online retailers.
• Salary sacrifice homeware, tech and cycle to work schemes.
• On‑the‑job training and mentoring will be provided.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Tea Keeper, who will be mentored to become responsible for :

• Planting, managing and cultivating tea plants on the Estate.
• Growing tea and supporting increased production to meet demand.
• Managing efficient and environmentally friendly production.
• Harvesting and processing.
• Operating and maintaining machinery.

You will be part of the high‑profile success of the first tea grown in England, in Europe's largest tea garden. Your mentors will help you learn about tea and how to grow and process the world's most popular drink.

About You

You will need :

• Passion for horticulture / agriculture.
• To be proficient in operating and maintaining machinery, e.g., tractor, brush cutter, etc.
• Basic IT skills.
• The ability to work alone and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills, professional attitude, polite and good levels of personal presentation.
• Full UK driving licence and own transport, as we are in a rural location with no access to public transport.

Preferably (but not essentially) you will :

• Be experienced in growing horticulture / agriculture.
• Be an expert in plant care.
• Have knowledge of best practice in horticultural and agricultural enterprises.
• Have knowledge of the Cornish climate and the impact this has on horticulture / agriculture.