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Agricultural Recruitment Specialists; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Supportive environment

Prestigious estate

Varied role

Long-term opportunity

Job summary

A rare Gardener opportunity has arisen to join the Gardens and Grounds team at a prestigious historic estate. Working with the Head Gardener, you will maintain beautifully presented gardens and grounds, combining practical horticulture and seasonal planting in a unique historic setting.

The role requires 3+ years in professional horticulture, strong plant knowledge, and a valid UK driving licence (PA1/PA6 advantageous).

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in professional horticulture, gardening, estate management or a similar high quality environment.
• Strong practical knowledge of ornamental planting, propagation, pruning, lawn care, seasonal maintenance and plant health.
• Competent using horticultural tools, machinery, and grounds maintenance equipment, with a full UK driving licence; PA1 and PA6 certificates would be advantageous
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work independently, prioritise workloads, and maintain high standards throughout the year
• Passion for horticulture with a keen eye for detail, a commitment to sustainability and a proactive approach to continuous learning
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to build positive working relationships with colleagues, contractors and visitors

Responsibilities

• Maintain beds, borders, lawns, planted areas and external spaces to a high standard
• Carry out planting, pruning, propagation, watering, mulching, weed control, lawn care and seasonal tasks
• Monitor plant health, identify pests and diseases, and assist with treatments and preventative measures
• Operate and maintain horticultural machinery, hand tools, and grounds equipment safely
• Support sustainable gardening practices including composting, biodiversity initiatives and responsible resource management
• Assist with preparation of grounds for college events, ceremonies and visitor activities
• Maintain records relating to horticultural activities, machinery checks and pesticide usage where required
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, contractors and other departments to maintain presentation and smooth operation of the estate

Skills

Lawn care

Propagation

Pruning

Ornamental planting

Plant health

Equipment operation

Sustainable gardening

Record keeping

Education

NVQ Level 2

Scottish NVQ Level 2

Equivalent qualification

Job description

The Job:

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Gardener to join the Gardens and Grounds team at a prestigious historic estate. Working closely with the Head Gardener, you will play a key role in maintaining and developing beautifully presented gardens and grounds, ensuring the highest standards of horticultural care across planted areas, lawns, and landscaped spaces. This is a varied, hands on role combining practical horticulture, grounds maintenance, propagation, and seasonal planting within a unique historic environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintain beds, borders, lawns, planted areas and external spaces to an exceptional horticultural standard
• Carry out planting, pruning, propagation, watering, mulching, weed control, lawn care and seasonal horticultural tasks
• Monitor plant health, identify pests and diseases, and assist with appropriate treatments and preventative measures
• Operate and maintain horticultural machinery, hand tools, and grounds equipment safely and effectively
• Support sustainable gardening practices including composting, biodiversity initiatives and responsible resource management
• Assist with the preparation of the grounds for college events, ceremonies and visitor activities
• Maintain accurate records relating to horticultural activities, machinery checks and pesticide usage where required
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, and other departments to maintain the presentation and smooth operation of the estate

The Company:

A highly respected historic institution with extensive gardens and landscaped grounds maintained to an exceptional standard. The organisation is committed to preserving the character of its historic estate while embracing sustainable horticultural practices, investing in its people, and providing a collaborative and supportive working environment.

The Candidate:

• Minimum three years' experience within professional horticulture, gardening, estate management or a similar high quality environment
• Strong practical knowledge of ornamental planting, propagation, pruning, lawn care, seasonal maintenance and plant health
• Competent using horticultural tools, machinery, and grounds maintenance equipment, with a full UK driving licence; PA1 and PA6 certificates would be advantageous
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work independently, prioritise workloads, and maintain high standards throughout the year
• Passion for horticulture with a keen eye for detail, a commitment to sustainability and a proactive approach to continuous learning
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to build positive working relationships with colleagues, contractors and visitors

Candidate Requirements

All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.

The Package

• Opportunity to work within a prestigious historic estate
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Varied role across beautifully maintained gardens and grounds
• Long-term career opportunity within an established organisation