Kitchen Gardener – Live In/Live Out

ECG Limited; Greater Lincolnshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A private estate in Lincolnshire is seeking a dedicated Kitchen Gardener to join their team. The role requires a strong understanding of organic gardening principles and the ability to cultivate produce year-round. Candidates should have experience in gardening, a positive attitude, and be physically fit to work outdoors. Accommodation is available if required, along with negotiated salary and benefits including a pension scheme and 28 holidays per year.

Benefits

Accommodation available

Pension scheme

28 days of holidays per year

Qualifications

• Ability to cultivate produce year-round in an organic garden.
• Experience in managing a walled garden environment.
• Skills in teamwork and flexibility in gardening tasks.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and manage a large organic kitchen garden.
• Work with the Head Gardener on vegetable and fruit production.
• Ensure high standards in the garden's presentation.

Skills

Understanding of organic vegetable production

Propagation and seed saving

Experience in organic gardening

Attention to detail in presentation of produce

Understanding of pest control in gardening

High physical fitness level

Experience with garden machinery

Understanding of composting

Historic knowledge of walled gardening

Job description

Kitchen Gardener – Live In/Live Out – Vacancy

Brocklesby Park is a rural estate in northern Lincolnshire, and is the private residence of The Earl and Countess of Yarborough.

The gardens surrounding it include a large walled kitchen garden (organic status), heated greenhouses, ornamental gardens, extensive grounds, lawned areas and fine lawns, woodland, a lake, fountain, follies, formal hedges, churchyard, wildflower meadow, orchard, tennis court, biomass boiler, swimming pool, etc.

A full-time experienced Kitchen Gardener is sought and the main purpose of the role is to work within the six acre walled garden and its glass houses on the year round cultivation of produce for the Hall.

Requirements

• Understanding of the principles of organic vegetable production
• Competent in propagation, raising plants in modules and seed saving
• Experience in organic growing/ principles of organic gardening
• Attention to detail in the harvesting and presentation of produce on a weekly basis
• Successional sowing and the raising of salads and herbs under glass throughout the season
• Understanding of traditional greenhouses, venting and organic pest control
• High level of physical fitness and ideally the ability to use rotavators and roto ploughs
• High level understanding of pruning and cropping of top fruit, soft fruit and nuts
• Understanding of composting, soil improvement and the incorporation of green manures into the rotation of crops
• Some experience of a range of garden machinery is preferable
• Some experience of cut flower production
• Presentation of the garden for an annual open day
• Take direction and form a good working relationship with the Head Gardener who will assist with seed ordering, sundries and productive garden planning
• Work with the Head Gardener on the growing of specific varieties and the forcing of vegetables for the cook/chef
• Work with other team members where needed to manage weeds
• Occasionally work with other team members in other areas
• A historic understanding and passion for walled gardening

Be a flexible team player, who is able to use their own initiative.

Enthusiastic, tenacious, energetic, self-motivated.

A positive ‘can-do’ attitude.

Physically fit, energetic and ability to work outside in all weathers.

Avoid waste and recycle.

Pay & benefits

• Salary to be negotiated
• Accommodation available if required
• Pension scheme
• Holidays 28 days per year (including bank holidays)

Salary: To be negotiated

Working Hours: Full Time

To apply please email a covering letter and c.v. to Will Grout (Head Gardener)