At a Glance
- Tasks: Enhance stunning gardens and manage seasonal floral displays in a beautiful private estate.
- Company: Join a prestigious Grade-1 listed property near Basingstoke, Hampshire.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, 20 days holiday plus bank holidays, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Full-time role with shared weekend duties and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Perfect for passionate horticulturalists wanting to make a real impact in a picturesque setting.
- Qualifications: Level 2 in Horticulture and 3 years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are looking for a well-rounded horticulturalist to help further improve the grounds and gardens within a private Grade-1 listed Lutyens property. Other than being a professional who can comfortably take their hand to a range of horticultural disciplines, we would like to find somebody with a genuine interest and enthusiasm for herbaceous and seasonal ornamental displays. The ideal candidate will eventually be expected to take ownership of all floral displays proximate to the main house and within the walled-kitchen garden, as well as cut-flower production. The gardens and grounds comprise a gentle mixture of formal and informal design styles and are managed in an ecologically sensitive manner.
Responsibilities
- Take ownership and improve the established ornamental herbaceous displays close to the house and within the walled kitchen garden, supplemented by seasonal annual production.
- Provide the house with seasonal cut-flowers generated through perennial and annual schemes via a dedicated space within the walled kitchen garden.
- Manage and maintain the permanent container displays around the property utilising at least a 3-season display turn-around.
- Aid other gardening and house staff in a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:
- General help in the walled kitchen garden (such as watering, harvesting and processing of produce).
- Occasional lawn-care duties including mowing and strimming.
- Help in keeping the grounds and gardens looking their best by weeding and tidying as required.
- Occasional help cleaning and maintaining the swimming pool and various external artworks.
Candidate profile
Essential Qualifications
- At least a Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent, with at least 3 years’ work experience within a similar role.
- Strong plant knowledge and competencies in a variety of horticultural practices including propagation, seasonal maintenance of mixed planting schemes, species-specific pruning, and composting.
- Ability to identify plant pests and diseases, and manage them in an environmentally sensitive manner.
- Ability to plan production in advance, operate within a schedule, and prioritise demands – excellent time-management.
- Willingness to work in all weathers, and with a flexible attitude to embrace wider-estate requirements.
- Familiarity with the safe use of a range of hand tools and operation of powered machinery.
- Familiarity with relevant health and safety guidelines.
- Presentable in appearance at all times with excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work well on your own and with others.
- Reliable, organised, self-motivated and proactive.
- Fit, able, and with a good, positive attitude towards work.
- Confident in the use of computers for general admin and planning.
Desirable Qualifications
- PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates.
- Tractor and trailer certificates, or experience driving a compact tractor with front-end loader.
- Operate ride-on and pedestrian lawn mowers.
- Wildflower meadow maintenance.
- Experience with the maintenance of irrigation systems.
- Experience in swimming pool maintenance.
Salary
Attractive, commensurate with experience.
Working hours
Full-time permanent position. Monday-Friday, with weekend duties shared between staff (no more often than once per month).
Benefits
20 days paid holiday + bank holidays.
Estate Gardener – Private Estate Nr Basingstoke, Hampshire employer: ECG Limited
ECG Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a stunning private estate in North London. With a focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, you will enjoy the independence of managing diverse gardens while collaborating with experienced professionals. The part-time role not only allows for a fulfilling work-life balance but also provides a chance to develop your skills in a picturesque environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estate Gardener – Private Estate Nr Basingstoke, Hampshire
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like ECG Limited.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like ECG Limited.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at ECG Limited; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Estate Gardener – Private Estate Nr Basingstoke, Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at ECG Limited.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Estate Gardener – Private Estate Nr Basingstoke, Hampshire.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what ECG Limited is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at ECG Limited a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at ECG Limited might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
