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- Tasks: Lead the maintenance of a stunning private garden, ensuring it looks its best year-round.
- Company: Join a prestigious estate in Egham, Surrey, catering to ultra-high-net-worth clients.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a beautiful landscape transformation while working in a serene and luxurious setting.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant horticultural qualifications and experience with UHNW clientele.
- Other info: A full clean driving license is essential for this role.
On behalf of our client, we are recruiting for a Head Gardener to maintain a large private garden in Egham, Surrey. The gardens consist of formal planting immediately adjacent to the garden house, ornamental planting throughout extensive grounds, a vegetable garden, areas of wildflower and large expanses of both formal and rolling lawns. There are also many ornamental and parkland trees, a tennis court and horse paddock. Having recently undergone a total overhaul of planting schemes and layout, the gardens will require a skilled and knowledgeable professional Head Gardener, who is experienced working in a sensitive environment and for UHNW clientele.
Summary of responsibilities and duties:
- Deliver high standards of maintenance and horticulture by developing and implementing a structured programme of work, ensuring the landscape and gardens are maintained and presented to the highest level throughout the year.
- Liaise with Estate Management to manage and interpret the horticultural needs of each area through plans and schedules for the various zones of the gardens.
- Ensure the irrigation system is correctly maintained and kept in proper working order.
- Implement safety policies and procedures.
- Effectively manage the garden team and provide detailed weekly work reports, and liaising with security, housekeeping staff and other contractors.
Required qualifications:
- Relevant horticultural qualification, preferably Level 3 or above
- Health and safety qualification, e.g. NEBOSH General, or relevant professional qualification
- Advanced level of irrigation knowledge and spraying certificate PA1/PA6
- Sound knowledge of standard horticultural practices (planting, pruning, fertilising, etc), growth characteristics and identification of a wide variety of plants
Essentials:
- Prior experience in a horticulture role for UHNW clients
- Full clean EU or UK driving license
Head Gardener employer: CV-Library
Contact Detail:
CV-Library Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the horticulture industry, especially those who have experience working with UHNW clients. Attend gardening events or workshops to meet potential contacts who might provide insights or referrals for the Head Gardener position.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural needs of large private gardens. Research best practices for maintaining formal and ornamental plantings, as well as vegetable gardens, to demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience managing a garden team effectively. Highlight any previous roles where you implemented structured work programmes and liaised with estate management, as this will be crucial for the Head Gardener role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your knowledge of irrigation systems and safety policies. Be ready to explain how you've maintained these systems in past roles, as well as how you ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in a gardening context.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant horticultural qualifications and experience, especially any work with UHNW clients. Emphasise your skills in managing gardens, implementing maintenance programmes, and your knowledge of irrigation systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for horticulture and detail your experience in maintaining large gardens. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed garden teams and liaised with estate management in the past.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your horticultural qualifications, health and safety certifications, and any advanced training related to irrigation and plant care. This will demonstrate your expertise and suitability for the role.
Showcase Your Experience: Provide detailed accounts of your previous roles, particularly those involving high standards of maintenance and working in sensitive environments. Use metrics or specific achievements to illustrate your impact in past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at CV-Library
✨Showcase Your Horticultural Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in detail. Highlight specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving UHNW clients, and demonstrate your knowledge of horticultural practices, plant identification, and maintenance techniques.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Research the specific requirements of the garden you will be managing. Familiarise yourself with the types of plants and landscaping styles that suit the environment, and be ready to suggest how you would enhance the existing layout and maintenance plans.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Gardener, you'll need to manage a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, including how you handle conflicts, delegate tasks, and ensure high standards of work are met.
✨Discuss Safety and Maintenance Protocols
Be ready to talk about your knowledge of health and safety regulations, particularly in relation to gardening and landscaping. Discuss how you would implement safety policies and maintain equipment, such as irrigation systems, to ensure a safe working environment.
