Gardner Apprentice

Exclusive Hotels and Venues; Lower Beeding; On-site; GBP 8,000 - 11,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hotel stays discount

50% F&B discount

Free meals on duty

Wellbeing resources

Hospitality discounts

Growth opportunities

Job summary

South Lodge, part of the Exclusive Collection, is a luxury country house hotel in Sussex. We are seeking an enthusiastic Apprentice Gardener to join our Grounds & Gardens team, gaining hands-on experience while working toward a recognised horticultural qualification.

You will work with experienced gardeners and contribute to maintaining and enhancing our beautiful grounds. At South Lodge, you'll enjoy benefits including employee discounts, free meals on duty, wellbeing resources, and

Qualifications

• Passion for gardening and plants required.
• Enthusiasm to learn and develop in horticulture.
• Positive attitude and team player.
• Good communication and listening skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and present South Lodge grounds to high standards.
• Learn horticultural techniques: planting, pruning, weeding, mulching, lawn care.
• Support seasonal gardening tasks: hedge cutting, shrub maintenance, rose care, borders.
• Maintain pathways and public areas for guest safety and welcome.
• Assist with planting and care of seasonal displays, trees and shrubs.
• Learn safe use and maintenance of gardening tools.
• Follow company policies and health & safety rules on the estate.
• Report maintenance issues to team members.
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop gardening skills.

Skills

Gardening passion

Willing to learn

Team player

Communication

Reliability

Outdoor work resilience

Education

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

Level 2 Horticulture (apprenticeship)

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Horsham

Competitive salary plus fantastic benefits

Working Hours:

40

Location:

Horsham

Closing Date:

10/10/2026

Job Category:

Property and Grounds

Properties:

South Lodge and The Spa, Horsham, West Sussex

Departments:

Grounds

Job Introduction

South Lodge, part of the Exclusive Collection, is a luxury country house hotel set within stunning Sussex countryside. Renowned for its exceptional hospitality, award-winning dining, and beautiful surroundings, South Lodge is a place where elegance, innovation, and outstanding service come together to create unforgettable experiences for every guest.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Apprentice Gardener to join our talented Grounds & Gardens team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for horticulture who is looking to develop their skills and build a career in gardening. Working alongside experienced gardeners, you will gain hands-on experience in maintaining and enhancing our exceptional grounds while working towards a recognised horticultural qualification.

At South Lodge, we believe in rewarding our team for their passion and dedication. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Great rates for stays across all our hotels and 50% discount on Food & Beverage dining


• Free meals while on duty


• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources


• Exclusive discounts and perks through Hospitality Essentials


• Opportunities for growth, learning, and internal movement within the Exclusive Collection

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the maintenance and presentation of South Lodge's gardens and grounds to ensure they are maintained to the highest standard throughout the year.


• Learn and apply practical horticultural techniques, including planting, pruning, weeding, mulching and lawn care.


• Support the team with seasonal gardening tasks such as hedge cutting, shrub maintenance, rose care and border management.


• Help maintain pathways, entrances, driveways and public areas to ensure they remain safe, clean and welcoming for guests and visitors.


• Assist with the planting and care of seasonal displays, trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.


• Learn how to safely use and maintain gardening tools and equipment.


• Follow all company policies, procedures and health & safety requirements while working across the estate.


• Report any maintenance issues, defects or hazards within the gardens and grounds to the appropriate team member.


• Work collaboratively with colleagues while developing the knowledge and skills required to become a qualified gardener.

Person Specification

• A genuine passion for gardening, plants and the outdoor environment, ideally with some basic knowledge of plants and gardening techniques.


• Enthusiasm to learn and develop a career in horticulture.


• A positive attitude and willingness to work as part of a team.


• Good communication and listening skills.


• Strong reliability, organisation and time management skills.


• A proactive approach and willingness to undertake physical outdoor work come rain or shine!


• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.


• An interest in studying towards a Level 2 Horticulture qualification as part of the apprenticeship programme.

We are a certified B Corp, committed to sustainability and responsible business practices. At Exclusive Collection, we champion wellbeing, progression and a culture where people who share our values can thrive.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all individuals with the right to work in the UK. If you require any adjustments during the application process, please let us know.