Head Gardener

ECG Limited; Downham Market; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A private estate near Downham Market, Norfolk, is seeking an experienced Head Gardener to manage a variety of gardens on a 600-acre estate. The role involves hands-on maintenance, planting, and liaising with contractors. A driving license is required due to the rural setting. The position offers accommodation rent-free with utility bills covered. The salary ranges from £30,000 to £35,000 depending on experience, with an opportunity for couples to apply for both gardener and housekeeping roles.

Benefits

Accommodations provided

Utility bills covered

Qualifications

• Experience working in diverse gardens is essential.
• Driving licence required due to rural location.
• Willingness to learn and adaptability are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Daily maintenance of all aspects of the garden.
• Planting, lawn maintenance, and upkeep of driveways.
• Liaising with tenants and contractors.

Skills

Strong horticultural knowledge and practical skills

Attention to detail

Good communication skills

Organisational skills

Enthusiasm and adaptability

Tools

Tractor

Chainsaw

PA1/PA6 spraying qualifications

Job description

Head Gardener – Vacancy

Couples role of Head Gardener & Under-gardener/Housekeeper could be considered.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Gardener on a 600 acre privately-owned estate near Downham Market, Norfolk. The position includes some additional Estate Management responsibilities.

The gardens comprise approximately 2 acres of formal gardens and lawns surrounding the main house, and a further 3 acres of wooded parkland. Within the garden area is a grade II listed sunken formal garden, a walled kitchen garden growing primarily flowers but with a variety of fresh produce, a rose garden and a pool garden.

The gardens are set within a wider estate of arable fields, woodland, fishing lakes and grass paddocks used for horse livery.

Responsibilities

• Hands on day-to-day maintenance of all aspects of the garden.
• Planting, lawn maintenance, pruning, hedge-trimming, weeding, watering, upkeep of driveways and maintenance of garden machinery.
• Woodland maintenance (cooperative)
• Assisting with general repairs (fences), track maintenance, tree planting, topping of conservation areas.
• Liaising with tenants, contractors and horse liveries.

Qualifications

• Strong horticultural knowledge and practical skills.
• Experience working in diverse gardens essential.
• Attention to detail, organisation, good communication skills, enthusiasm and adaptability.
• Tractor experience, PA1/PA6 spraying qualifications and a basic chainsaw qualification will be beneficial (training can be provided).

The position includes a two-bedroom cottage with its own small garden, adjacent to the main house. The accommodation will be provided rent and council tax free, with utility bills to be covered by the occupant.

The undergardener/housekeeper role entails assisting the Head Gardener with all gardening and grounds maintenance aspects and approximately 1-2 days of general housekeeping (predominantly cleaning and laundry) within the main house.

Therefore sole applications for the role of Head Gardener will be considered as well as applications from couples to cover both roles.

A driving licence is required due to the rural location.

The working week is Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.

Salary: circa £30-35,000 depending on experience. The Salary for a couples role to be discussed.

To apply please send a CV and covering email.

This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. English Country Gardeners are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.

If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please click here and the Royal Horticultural Society, please click here. For more gardener roles please click here.