Gardener/Grounds Person

Wiston Estate; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading estate is seeking a gardener to join their team responsible for maintaining the diverse gardens of Wiston House. The role includes various responsibilities such as lawn care and the use of garden machinery. Candidates should have relevant experience and a passion for horticulture.

Benefits

Company pension

Cycle to work scheme

Free parking

On-site parking

Sick pay

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in grounds maintenance.
• Experience with garden machinery, including tractors and ride-on mowers.
• Chainsaw ticket, MEWP, and PA1 & 6 qualifications desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining all areas of the garden.
• Perform lawn care, strimming, leaf clearance, and hedge cutting.
• Monitor tree and shrub health and manage pest control.

Skills

Horticultural knowledge

Lawn care

Machinery maintenance

Weed control

Tools

Garden machinery

Job description

An opportunity has arisen for a gardener to join the team maintaining the gardens and lawns surrounding the grade 1 listed Wiston House situated within the South Downs National Park. The grounds of Wiston House (approx. 17 acres) comprise of herbaceous borders and terraces, formal and informal lawns and parkland, an Italianate parterre garden, extensive formal hedging, apple orchards, wildflower and woodland areas, cascade and pond and small water features.

Wiston House is currently leased to Wilton Park, an executive agency of the UK foreign and commonwealth office. Leading figures in politics, diplomacy, business and academia gather here to discuss issues affecting the world today. The gardens team play a vital role in creating and maintaining a tranquil outdoor space where some of these discussions can continue. The post holder will be required to take an enhanced security check on appointment.

The role:

• Working within a small team under the Head Gardener assisting in maintaining all areas of the garden with occasional piece work across the wider estate.
• Tasks will vary daily, and though not exhaustive key responsibilities include-
• Lawn care and maintenance, strimming, leaf clearance, weed control and maintaining of hard standing and paths, hedge cutting, P&D monitoring and management, tree and shrub health monitoring, machinery maintenance and basic servicing along with carrying out small general garden repairs.
• The ideal candidate will have relevant experience working in a large garden or estate of a similar size, be qualified or have skilled experience of using a wide range of garden machinery including small tractors and ride on mowers, be experienced in formal hedge care/pruning and possess a good level of horticultural knowledge.
• A full driving license, fit and able to work outdoors in all weathers and a minimum of 2 years’ experience is essential due to the nature of the role and the remote location.

A chainsaw ticket, MEWP and PA1 & 6 qualifications would also be desirable.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £24,000.00 per year

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Schedule: Day shift

Experience: Grounds Maintenance: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification: Driving License (required)

Ability to Commute: Steyning, BN44 3DZ (required)