Gardener - Garden Assistant

Thornbury Castle; West of England; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days' holiday

Birthday day off

Complimentary stay after probation

Training programs

Staff and family rates

Recognition programmes

Uniform and meals provided

Free parking

Weekend flexibility

Future full-time possibility

Job summary

Thornbury Castle is seeking a part-time Gardens Assistant to support the Head of Gardens in maintaining the historic estate. You will contribute to lawn care, planting, and general groundskeeping while upholding the high standards of a luxury hotel environment.

You'll work as part of a small team, with opportunities to learn and progress toward full-time roles. The position offers weekends as needed, with 28 days holiday and staff benefits after probation.

Qualifications

• At least Level 3 in Horticulture or equivalent experience and knowledge.
• Practical knowledge of plants, tools, materials and use of general garden machinery.
• Knowledge and experience of petrol machinery.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Gardens to establish, maintain, and manage the gardens to high standards.
• Lead the garden team effectively and professionally when required.
• Manage day-to-day maintenance including lawn care, hedge-cutting, pruning, weeding, planting.
• Maintain and develop the kitchen garden.
• Promote safe working practices and health & safety on the estate.
• Oversee external contractors as needed and deputise for Head of Gardens.
• Support with ongoing development of the gardens, kitchen and ornamental areas.

Skills

Gardening interest

Basic gardening experience

Hands-on approach

Reliability punctuality

Attention to detail

Follow instructions

Team player / independent

Weekend flexibility

Professional in luxury hotel env

Education

Level 3 in Horticulture

Tools

Petrol machinery

Garden tools

Job description

Job Description

• Assist the Head of Gardens to establish, maintain, and manage the historically listed gardens to the highest horticultural standards
• Assist the Head of Gardens to lead the garden team effectively and professionally
• Assist the Head of Gardens to manage the day-to-day maintenance of the garden: lawn care, hedge-cutting, pruning, weeding, planting and all associated garden tasks
• Assist the Head of Gardens to maintain and develop the kitchen garden
• Take ownership of safe working practices within the estate , including Health & Safety
• Assist the Head of Gardens with the continuous development of the Gardens, including the kitchen garden, herbaceous garden and ornamental garden
• Take responsibility in the absence of the Head Gardener
• Deputise for the Head of Gardens in meetings if required
• Assist the Head of Gardens in overseeing external contractors
• A genuine interest in gardening, plants and outdoor work.
• Basic gardening or groundskeeping experience, although willingness to learn and develop skills is equally important.
• A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to undertake a variety of routine tasks.
• Reliability, punctuality and a positive attitude.
• Good attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards.
• The ability to follow instructions and work safely.
• The ability to work independently on allocated tasks and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to assist with basic maintenance duties when required.
• The ability to undertake practical outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• A professional, considerate approach in a luxury hotel environment.

Qualifications

• At least Level 3 in Horticulture or equivalent experience and knowledge
• Practical knowledge of plants, tools, materials and use of general garden machinery
• Knowledge and experience of petrol machinery

Additional Information

• 28 days' holiday, including bank holidays
• An additional paid day off on your birthday
• Complimentary stay at the Castle after 3 months' probation period successfully passed
• Training programs via internal & external professionals and access to online training facilities
• Staff and family rates on hotel accommodation and discounts on food and beverage
• Recognition programmes
• Uniform and meals provided whilst on duty and free parking
• Flexibility to work on weekends when required.
• Part-time role with the future possibility to be full-time
• £12.71/hour