Sole Gardener

ECG Limited; Newbury; On-site; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Sole Gardener to nurture and maintain the stunning gardens of a historic estate near Newbury. This role involves managing a variety of gardening tasks, from kitchen gardening to caring for animals, ensuring the beauty and productivity of the grounds. The ideal candidate will possess a genuine passion for horticulture, strong plant knowledge, and experience with various gardening tools. This is a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful setting and contribute to the legacy of a family-owned estate, where your skills will be valued and appreciated.

Qualifications

• Experience in kitchen gardening and maintaining productivity of gardens.
• Solid plant knowledge and good pruning techniques required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain gardens, including irrigation management and general upkeep.
• Care for animals on the estate and assist with handy tasks.

Skills

Horticulture

Kitchen Gardening

Soil Management

Plant Knowledge

Animal Care

Chainsaw Operation

Spraying Techniques

Education

Horticultural Qualification

Tools

Gardening Tools

Machinery Maintenance

Job description

A unique opportunity has arisen for a Sole Gardener to maintain the gardens of a home set in a special and significant estate, close to Newbury, in the county of Berkshire. The property owners are seeking an individual to assist in maintaining the beauty of their gardens and productivity of their small holding, following an exciting period of investment and development.

The historic property sits in approximately 80-acres of grounds noted for their beauty, and has remained within the same family since the 17^th century. This vacancy will have a focus on approximately 6 acres of formal gardens, which has been transformed from a forgotten area into something truly remarkable. The 1-acre walled, kitchen garden is of significant importance, containing 10 large, raised beds, filled with an array of organic produce, an interesting spread of fruit trees surrounding the area and a pergola draped with wonderful wisteria. Woodland and grassland surround the house, with young trees and a wildflower meadow beyond.

The Sole Gardener will be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the varied areas, including proper management of the irrigation system. Candidates should have excellent kitchen gardening experience, with the confidence to ensure the continued productivity of the walled garden through seeding, planting and upkeep. Good soil and compost management is an essential part of the role, as well as more general maintenance duties such as lawn care, weeding, trimming and hedge cutting. A solid plant knowledge is a must, as well as good specialist pruning techniques to care for the wisteria and rose beds.

In addition, the Sole Gardener will provide general woodland and tree care, including the chopping and seasoning of logs and kindling. They will maintain a small duck pond, and there will be the feeding, cleaning and general care duties required for other animals on the estate, namely hens, young pigs and Aberdeen Angus cattle, to maintain high animal welfare standards. There is an expectation to assist with general handy tasks such as cleaning garden furniture and repairing fences, and so a pro-active attitude is essential.

The ideal candidate will have a genuine passion for horticulture, with prior experience in a similar setting, inclusive of animal care and vegetable production. It is important to be physically fit and capable of carrying out heavier gardening duties, working to a high horticultural standard, with a strong sense of pride in your work. The successful applicant should have chainsaw and spraying certificates, and a horticultural qualification is desired, although those with extensive estate gardening experience will be considered.

Candidates should have experience with a wide variety of gardening tools and machinery, with the ability to maintain these between services. Due to the private nature of this household, the candidate should be incredibly trustworthy and able to work with the utmost discretion, and as such will be required to sign an NDA. The working hours for the position are 8am ‘til 4pm, Monday to Friday, with some overtime required, to be taken back as agreed, in lieu.

SALARY: circa £38,000 DOE

LOCATION: Newbury, Berkshire

JOB No: EC67248

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

To apply for this role you will need a Candidate Registration.

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.

Tagged as: Berkshire, Live Out, Newbury, Sole Gardener