Head Gardener

ECG Limited; Beverley; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Head Gardener to join a private estate near Beverley, East Yorkshire. The role involves managing a diverse garden, leading a small team, and collaborating with the estate owners to develop the gardens. Candidates should have relevant horticultural qualifications and experience in similar settings, with responsibilities including daily management, health and safety compliance, and garden presentations for events.

Benefits

On-site accommodation (3-bedroom house)

23 days of holiday plus Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• Experienced gardener with a proven track record in managing diverse gardens.
• Must have horticultural qualifications and spraying certificates.
• Self-motivated and organized individual with strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day garden operations and lead a team of gardeners.
• Ensure health & safety compliance and maintain gardening machinery.
• Contribute ideas for garden development and assist in event presentations.

Skills

Plant knowledge

Compost management

Propagation

Cultivation of fruit and vegetables

Weeding

Bed rejuvenation

Lawn care

Glasshouse work

Education

Recognized horticultural qualification

PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates

Job description

Job Opportunity: Head Gardener

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Gardener to join the gardens within a private estate near Beverley, East Yorkshire. The owners seek an experienced gardener with a proven track record managing a horticulturally diverse garden to assist in maintaining and developing the garden and grounds. This is a full-time, permanent position offering collaboration with the principals to further develop the gardens.

About the Estate

The Grade II* listed building is set within traditional parkland, featuring expansive formal lawns, woodland, an orchard, wildflower areas, glasshouses, outdoor flowerpots and urns, ornamental hedges, and perennial borders. The garden includes a 2-acre Victorian walled garden with wildflower beds and traditional kitchen garden areas growing various produce. There is scope for installing new beds and borders, including a redevelopment of a parterre.

Candidate Profile

Our client seeks an experienced, hard-working gardener responsible for daily garden management. Candidates should ideally have a recognized horticultural qualification, PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates, and extensive experience in similar private gardens. Essential skills include plant knowledge, compost management, propagation, cultivation of fruit and vegetables, weeding, bed rejuvenation, lawn care, and glasshouse work. The role demands a self-motivated, organized individual with a strong work ethic, initiative, and flexibility. The position is physically demanding and requires working in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day garden operations
• Lead a team of up to 2 gardeners and coordinate external contractors
• Ensure health & safety compliance
• Maintain and operate gardening machinery
• Assist in garden presentations for events such as weddings
• Contribute ideas for garden development and management

Additional Details

The role includes on-site accommodation (3-bedroom house with garden), welcoming partners, dependents, and pets. Working hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, and Friday, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, with 23 days of holiday plus Bank Holidays. Weekend watering duties are rotational, especially during peak seasons. The successful candidate must pass a DBS check, provide references, and hold a full driver’s license.

Salary & Location

Salary: Up to £35,000 depending on experience

Location: Beverley, East Yorkshire

Application Process

If interested, please click ‘Apply for job’ or contact Sophie Sharpe at 01233 733510 or via email at [e-mail]. Candidates need to complete a Candidate Registration. For data privacy details, view our privacy policy. Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 14 days.

Additional Information

Visit our website: www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

We are proud to work with:

• Professional Gardeners’ Guild
• RHS
• WFGA – offering the WRAGs Scheme
• Arne Maynard Garden Design
• Historic Houses
• HBG Training Programme