Groundskeeper

West Sussex.info; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

West Sussex.info is seeking a Groundskeeper for Donington Hall, a historic estate undergoing redevelopment into a luxury hotel. The role involves maintaining the estate's grounds and ensuring their visual appeal while preserving its historical integrity.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in groundskeeping and horticultural certifications. This position starts on a zero-hours basis with potential for permanence as we approach our 2027 launch date.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in groundskeeping or estate maintenance role.
• Hands-on experience with groundskeeping machinery.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Full UK driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the visual appeal of the grounds through pruning and trimming.
• Operate landscaping equipment safely.
• Ensure outdoor areas are clean and visually appealing.
• Design and implement seasonal planting schemes.
• Oversee team and communicate with contractors.

Skills

Groundskeeping experience

Machinery operation

Attention to detail

Time management

Team oversight

Education

Groundskeeping or horticultural certifications

Tools

Landscaping plant equipment

Job description

Helping people find jobs in the local area since 2008

As part of one of the UK’s most exciting heritage redevelopments, Donington Hall is looking for a Groundskeeper to oversee the external presentation and maintenance of its historic 18th‑century, 28‑acre parkland estate.

Recently acquired by MotorSport Vision Group (MSV), the Donington Hall Estate is undergoing an ambitious redevelopment into a 49 bedroom luxury boutique hotel and a state‑of‑the‑art Motorhouse, both set to open in early 2027.

To support the estate’s redevelopment timeline, we are seeking a dedicated Groundskeeper to take a leading role in maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty and historic character of Donington Hall. This is a unique opportunity to shape the legacy of a Grade II listed property, ensuring its grounds embody the elegance, heritage, and prestige of its past.

Key responsibilities of the Groundskeeper will include:

• Pruning, trimming, cutting and caring for trees, shrubs, lawns and flowerbeds to ensure year‑round visual appeal
• Safely operating landscaping plant equipment (e.g., mowers, trimmers, tractors)
• Ensuring that all outdoor areas are clean, tidy, and visually appealing for visiting guests, this includes picking up litter
• Working sensitively within the historical context of the estate, preserving original features and contributing to the conservation of heritage landscaping
• Designing and implementing seasonal planting schemes in alignment with the estate’s aesthetic
• Working closely with the Hotel General Manager to ensure time sensitive deadlines are met
• Overseeing the current team, working closely together to ensure deadlines are met
• Communicating with external contractors on site

The successful candidate will be / have:

• Proven experience in a groundskeeping, greenkeeping, or general estate maintenance role
• Hands‑on experience operating a wide range of groundskeeping machinery and equipment
• Previous work on high‑end estates, luxury properties or with HNW clients
• Possession of relevant groundskeeping or horticultural certifications / qualifications
• A genuine pride in delivering immaculate results and maintaining exceptionally high standards
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage time effectively and work independently
• Exceptional attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics
• Experience overseeing a small team, however this is desirable
• A full UK driving licence

This role is ideally suited to someone with previous experience working on a high‑end, luxury estate, and who brings a meticulous eye for detail to their work. The position is being offered initially on a zero hours basis, with the view to go permanent particularly as we approach our 2027 launch date.