Gardener

Reed Specialist Recruitment; Little Compton; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Life insurance

Sick pay

Employee mentoring programme

Health & wellbeing programme

Free parking

Job summary

Deputy Head Gardener is required in a well-established North Cotswolds setting. The role is a 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover) with a 37.5-hour week, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.

You will work closely with the Head Gardener, leading on garden maintenance and the development of an apprentice. The job is predominantly outdoors (about 90%), with opportunities to step into a leadership position in the Head Gardener's absence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' horticultural experience
• Level 2 Horticulture qualification (Level 3 desirable)
• Strong plant knowledge and propagation experience
• Organised, proactive and able to work independently
• Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons
• Previous supervisory, volunteer management or mentoring experience would be beneficial but is not essential

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Gardener in the day-to-day management of the gardens and grounds
• Carry out planting, pruning, propagation and general garden maintenance
• Maintain lawns, borders, trees, shrubs and hedging
• Assist with the care of on-site livestock
• Mentor and support an apprentice gardener
• Promote safe working practices and support H&S compliance
• Operate horticultural machinery and equipment
• Lead the team in the Head Gardener's absence

Skills

Horticultural experience

Propagation

Leadership / supervision

Outdoor work

Education

Level 2 Horticulture qualification

Level 3 desirable

Job description

Deputy Head Gardener

12-Month FTC (Maternity Cover)
Salary: 29,250 Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm

The Role

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established organisation in the North Cotswolds for a Deputy Head Gardener to support the maintenance and development of a beautiful and diverse garden setting.

Working closely with the Head Gardener, you'll be responsible for maintaining high horticultural standards across formal gardens and grounds, supporting compliance and health & safety activities, and helping to develop an apprentice. This is a predominantly hands-on outdoor role (approximately 90% of your time spent outside) with the opportunity to step into a leadership position when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Gardener in the day-to-day management of the gardens and grounds
• Carry out planting, pruning, propagation and general garden maintenance
• Maintain lawns, borders, trees, shrubs and hedging
• Assist with the care of on-site livestock
• Mentor and support an apprentice gardener
• Promote safe working practices and support H&S compliance
• Operate horticultural machinery and equipment
• Lead the team in the Head Gardener's absence

About You

• Minimum 3 years' horticultural experience
• Level 2 Horticulture qualification (Level 3 desirable)
• Strong plant knowledge and propagation experience
• Organised, proactive and able to work independently
• Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons
• Previous supervisory, volunteer management or mentoring experience would be beneficial but is not essential

Benefits

• Company pension
• Life insurance
• Sick pay
• Employee mentoring programme
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Free parking