Gardener

Eat Work Art; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 19,600 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness Package

BUPA 24/7 Counselling support

28 days holiday including bank holidays

Job summary

A unique lifestyle community in Devon seeks a Head Gardener to oversee the gardens at Beden, ensuring sustainable practices and enhancing the estate’s beauty. The role includes planning plant schemes, managing a team, and maintaining high horticultural standards. Candidates need horticultural qualifications, gardening experience, and strong communication skills. Full-time position with health benefits and competitive pay.

Qualifications

• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Good communication skills and fluency in English.
• Physically fit for the demands of the role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee care and development of gardens and grounds.
• Plan and deliver seasonal planting schemes.
• Maintain and prune trees and shrubs.
• Manage fruit and vegetable production.
• Lead and train the garden team.

Skills

Horticultural qualification at RHS Level 2 or equivalent experience

Good knowledge of native and ornamental plants

Minimum one year of professional gardening experience

Practical experience with plant propagation

Ability to maintain lawns and meadows

Skilled in pruning trees and shrubs

Experience with gardening machinery

Full UK driving licence

Good communication skills

Education

Horticultural qualification at RHS Level 2

Tools

Gardening machinery

Tractors and trailers

Job description

About the Role

An opportunity has arisen for a Head Gardener to join Beden, Eat Work Art’s sister company. Beden is a unique lifestyle community designed for inspired creatives and their families. Nestled in a stunning natural setting, it features three beautifully restored farmhouses surrounded by vibrant gardens and wild landscapes.

Our dedicated garden team is passionate about restoring and enhancing the estate’s countryside and gardens. We focus on organic, sustainable practices to grow fresh fruit and vegetables while nurturing the natural beauty of the land. This role will be primarily based within these gardens, contributing to their ongoing transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the care, development, and presentation of all gardens and grounds across the estate, including ornamental areas, kitchen gardens, lawns, meadows, and surrounding landscapes
• Plan and deliver seasonal planting schemes and manage propagation of plants, shrubs, and trees
• Maintain and prune trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants to the highest horticultural standards
• Establish and manage lawns and wildflower meadows from seed or turf
• Apply organic and sustainable growing practices in line with the estate’s ecological values
• Manage fruit and vegetable production for the kitchen garden, including crop planning, rotation, and harvesting
• Lead, train, and coordinate the garden team, apprentices, and volunteers to achieve high standards of work
• Operate and maintain gardening machinery, including mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, and tractors with attachments
• Ensure all work is carried out safely in compliance with health and safety procedures, including risk assessments and equipment checks
• Deliver small landscaping projects, restoration work, and habitat improvement initiatives to enhance biodiversity
• Plan and schedule seasonal tasks and long-term garden development projects
• Manage supplies, order plants and materials, and work within allocated budgets where necessary
• Collaborate with other estate teams to ensure gardens are well-presented for residents, guests, and events

Qualifications and Experience

• Horticultural qualification at RHS Level 2 or equivalent experience
• Good knowledge of native and ornamental plants and their care
• Minimum one year of professional gardening experience
• Practical experience with plant propagation
• Ability to establish and maintain lawns and meadows from seed or turf
• Skilled in pruning trees and shrubs to a high horticultural standard
• Experience operating and maintaining gardening machinery, including mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, and other essential tools
• Competence with tractors, trailers, and attachments
• Full UK driving licence and access to own transport
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions
• Ability to follow instructions, use initiative, and work independently or as part of a team
• Good communication skills and fluency in English
• Physically fit and able to carry out the demands of the role
• Basic understanding of health and safety requirements and commitment to working safely

Benefits

• Health & Wellness Package
• BUPA 24/7 Counselling support
• 28 days holiday per year, inclusive of bank holidays

Location & Salary

Location: Heckwood Farm, PL20 6LG

Salary: National Living Wage

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Application Process

If you would like to apply for this role, please send us your CV and covering letter if desired.