Skilled Gardener – Dorset

ECG Limited; Beaminster; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for a Skilled Gardener in Beaminster, Dorset, has arisen, offering a hands-on role in the maintenance of a stunning estate garden. The position combines horticultural work and animal care responsibilities within a vibrant and biodiverse environment, suited for candidates looking for a long-term lifestyle role.

Benefits

Onsite accommodation

Rent-free cottage

Utility bills covered (except council tax)

Qualifications

• Experience working on a private estate.
• Familiarity with garden machinery.
• Ability to care for animals.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a diverse private estate garden.
• Care for a small collection of animals.
• Work closely with estate owners.

Skills

Knowledge of plants

Physical fitness

Attention to detail

Tools

Garden machinery experience

Job description

Set in the heart of the charming market town of Beaminster, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and experienced Skilled Gardener – Dorset to take a leading role in the ongoing care and development of a stunning and diverse private estate garden. This is a full-time, hands-on position for an individual who possesses a genuine enthusiasm for horticulture, and an eye for detail.

The property is nestled within 16 acres of breathtaking gardens, meadows and parkland. The grounds are home to a rich collection of mature specimen trees, a charming walled garden with a kitchen garden and cut flower garden, mixed beds and borders bursting with colour and texture and small greenhouse. Other features include a woodland walk, Victorian folly to be reinstated, a serene lake creating a picturesque and peaceful environment. This historic garden is not only a visual feast but also a haven for wildlife and thoughtfully designed to encourage biodiversity and seasonal interest. The gardens are managed to a high standard and are open through the NGS.

The successful candidate will work alongside two part time gardeners. The ideal candidate will have experience working on a private estate in a similar setting, have a good knowledge of plants and enjoy working to a high standard. Experience with garden machinery such as ride on mower, strimmer etc. would be beneficial. Tickets such as sprays certificates and chainsaw certificates would be advantageous. Physical fitness and energy are essential as this is a hands-on role.

Onsite accommodation can be provided for applicants who would be happy to incorporate animal care into their role. The family keeps a small collection of animals, including 4 alpacas, 7 chickens, and 3 pygmy goats. Animal care duties average approximately 5 hours per week (within working hours) and involve providing fresh water and hay, letting the animals out in the morning and bringing them in, as well as cleaning the enclosures twice a week. The accommodation offered is a charming two-bedroom cottage, provided rent-free. Council tax is covered by the employer, while the tenant is responsible for utility bills. Partners are welcome, pets to be discussed.

Due to the nature of the role, the working hours are seasonal: approx. 35 hours per week in the winter (1^st November to 31^st March) and approx. 45 hours per week in the summer (1^st April to 31^st October). Occasional weekends may be required, for which time off in lieu will be given. A full UK driving licence is essential for this position due to the location of the property. Please note that a DBS check and references will be required from the successful candidate at offer stage.

This opportunity would be well-suited to candidates seeking a long-term lifestyle role, where they can take pride in maintaining a beautiful, established, and much-loved garden while working closely with the estate owners. For animal lovers, the position offers a unique and varied experience, combining horticultural work with the rewarding responsibility of caring for a small collection of animals.

SALARY: £30,000 – £33,000 DOE

LOCATION: Beaminster, Dorset

JOB No: EC68352

If this Skilled Gardener – Dorset vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below’ or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or email [e-mail]

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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Skilled Gardener – Dorset 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.

We are proud to work with:

• theProfessional Gardeners’ Guild
• theRHS
• theWFGA–offering the WRAGs Scheme
• Arne Maynard Garden Design
• Historic Houses
• the HBG Training Programme

Tagged as: Skilled Gardener