Head Gardener

ECG Limited; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits for a passionate Head Gardener to join a dedicated team on a stunning estate in rural Lancashire. This hands-on role involves maintaining and developing expansive gardens, including an ornamental maze and kitchen garden, while collaborating closely with estate owners. The ideal candidate will possess strong horticultural knowledge, management skills, and a proactive approach, ensuring the gardens flourish. If you're looking to grow with a prestigious estate and make a lasting impact, this is the perfect role for you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in estate gardening and horticulture.
• Strong management skills and ability to inspire a team.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop the estate gardens, including ornamental and kitchen gardens.
• Coordinate daily tasks with the gardening team.

Skills

Horticulture

Team Management

Communication Skills

Health and Safety Practices

Chainsaw Operation

Spraying Techniques

Garden Machinery Operation

Education

Horticultural Qualification

Tools

Chainsaw

Garden Machinery

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Gardener to join a small team on a stunning 55-acre private estate in rural Lancashire. Set against the backdrop of rolling countryside, the estate is currently undergoing a major development that will see the grounds expand to approximately 140 acres, making this a rare chance for the Head Gardener to help shape and maintain a prestigious garden landscape.

The Head Gardener will play a central role in both the maintenance and development of the gardens, working closely with the estate owners to bring their ideas to life while also contributing their own expertise and vision. The gardens include an ornamental maze, kitchen garden, productive orchard, residential garden areas, and large formal lawns. The estate team currently includes one under gardener and part-time support from maintenance gardeners, with whom the Head Gardener will coordinate and lead daily tasks.

This is a hands-on role requiring a strong working knowledge of horticulture and estate gardening. The successful candidate will have previous experience in a similar role, with confidence in managing a wide range of tasks—from pruning roses and fruit trees, to growing a variety of produce. A strong understanding of propagation and seasonal planting schedules is important, particularly in maintaining the productivity of the kitchen garden.

Applicants should have proven management skills with the capability to inspire a team, and therefore excellent communication skills at all levels are crucial to be successful in this role. Additionally, a solid understanding of health and safety practices is required, and chainsaw and spraying certificates would be advantageous. Candidates must have the ability to use a wide range of garden machinery and equipment. This is a physical role, and the Head Gardener is expected to be extremely hands-on and proactive.

The ideal candidate will be organised and comfortable working independently as well as part of a team. You must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle due to the remote location. PA1/PA6 spraying certificates and a chainsaw licence would be advantageous but are not essential.

This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The client is seeking someone who is not only highly skilled and passionate about gardening but also committed to becoming a long-term member of the team—someone who can grow with the estate and be part of its future for many years to come.

SALARY: up to £40,000 DOE

LOCATION: Lancashire

JOB No: EC67747

If this vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below’ or contact Jay Rimell on 01233 733510 or email [e-mail]

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

We are proud to work with:

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

Tagged as: full time, head gardener, Lancashire, Lancaster, Live Out