Experienced Gardener (Part Time)

ECG Limited; Etchingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established country estate is seeking a part-time Experienced Gardener to maintain its stunning gardens. This role involves leading a team, managing contractors, and performing essential horticultural tasks in a beautiful setting. Ideal candidates will have a strong horticultural background, excellent plant knowledge, and the ability to work independently. If you are passionate about gardening and enjoy working outdoors in a picturesque environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a dedicated team and contribute to the ongoing development of this historic estate.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in estate gardening with excellent plant knowledge.
• Ability to manage external contractors and maintain gardening machinery.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the gardening team, ensuring high standards.
• Carry out general maintenance tasks like pruning and crop rotation.

Skills

Horticultural Knowledge

Contractor Management

Pruning and Propagation

Physical Fitness

Education

RHS Level 2 or Equivalent

Tools

Gardening Machinery

Chainsaw Operation Certification

Job description

Job Opportunity: Part-Time Experienced Gardener

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a part-time Experienced Gardener to maintain and assist in the future development of an established large country garden near Etchingham, East Sussex. This position is offered to self-employed skilled gardeners in the locality, on a 3-day per week basis, focusing on the garden's finer horticultural aspects.

This historic property is set within a 60-acre estate with 4 acres of formal Georgian gardens. Since its purchase, significant work has been undertaken to restore the space into an elegant and productive garden. Features include:

• Walled garden with two large glasshouses
• Organic kitchen garden with fruit cage
• Mature orchard and rose gardens
• Pleached lime tree walk and large herbaceous border
• Manicured hedging and Italian cypress forming Italian-style and pool gardens
• Extensive beech and yew hedging creating garden rooms

Beyond the walls, there are ericaceous beds with azalea, camellia, and rhododendron, complemented by clipped topiaries and holly hedging. The estate also includes mature woodland, potted planting, a hen house, and beehives.

Responsibilities

The gardener will need to:

• Lead and motivate an experienced Groundsperson and Garden Assistant
• Carry out general maintenance such as pruning, propagating, weeding, edging, crop rotation, and seasonal mulch and compost management
• Manage external contractors for heavier work, with previous experience in contractor management advantageous
• Maintain gardening machinery, requiring experience with a range of tools, and certifications such as PA1, PA6, and chainsaw operation are desirable

Candidate Profile

Applicants should possess:

• An academic horticultural qualification (e.g., RHS Level 2 or equivalent)
• Extensive experience in similar estate roles with excellent plant knowledge and technical skills
• Experience in compost management, propagation, spraying, and rejuvenating beds
• A self-motivated, organized, and reliable work ethic
• Physical fitness and ability to work in all weather conditions

Working Conditions

The preferred working days are Monday, Thursday, and Friday, but flexibility is possible for the right candidate. Hours depend on the season. Applicants should live within commuting distance, hold a full driving license, and have their own transport.

Additional Requirements

Due to the private estate setting, candidates must be loyal, trustworthy, and exercise discretion. The role is subject to reference checks, a DBS check, and signing a non-disclosure agreement.

Salary and Location

Salary: Up to £200 per day DOE

Location: Etchingham, East Sussex

Application Process

If interested, please click ‘Apply for job’ or contact Sophie Sharpe at 01233 733510 or via email [e-mail]. Applicants must complete a Candidate Registration.

For details on data use, see our privacy policy. Due to high application volume, responses may be limited. If you do not hear within 14 days, your application was unsuccessful.

Our Affiliations

• The Professional Gardeners’ Guild
• The RHS
• The WFGA – WRAGs Scheme
• Arne Maynard Garden Design
• Historic Houses
• HBG Training Programme

Tagged as: East Sussex, Experienced Gardener, Part-time, Sussex, West Sussex