Gardener - Garden Assistant

Château De Mercuès; West of England; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days holiday

Birthday day off

Castle stay after probation

Training programs

Staff and family rates

Recognition programmes

Uniform and meals provided

Free parking

Weekend work flexibility

Part-time with potential full-time

Job summary

Château De Mercuès in the West of England is seeking a part-time Gardener to assist the Head of Gardens in maintaining historic gardens to high horticultural standards on the estate. You will support lawn care, hedge-cutting, pruning, weeding, planting and kitchen garden tasks, while upholding safe working practices in a luxury hotel environment.

The role offers a practical, hands-on experience with a chance to develop skills, flexibility for weekend work, and access to internal training; 28

Qualifications

• Level 3 in Horticulture or equivalent experience and knowledge.
• Practical knowledge of plants, tools, materials and 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.
• Manage day-to-day maintenance: lawn care, hedge-cutting, pruning, weeding, planting.
• Maintain and develop the kitchen garden.
• Stay mindful of safe working practices and health & safety.
• Assist in overseeing external contractors and garden development.

Skills

Genuine interest in gardening

Reliability and punctuality

Independent and team worker

Practical hands-on approach

Education

Level 3 in Horticulture

Tools

General garden machinery

Petrol machinery

Tools and equipment handling

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
• £