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- Tasks: Maintain stunning gardens and manage diverse horticultural tasks on a beautiful estate.
- Company: Join a prestigious estate in Norfolk with a rich history and vibrant gardens.
- Benefits: Enjoy rent-free accommodation, competitive salary, and a chance to work in nature.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the landscape while living in a picturesque setting.
- Qualifications: Strong gardening skills and a passion for horticulture are essential.
- Other info: Perfect for couples; enjoy a dynamic role with great career potential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Gardener on a 600 acre privately-owned estate near Downham Market, Norfolk. The position includes some additional Estate Management responsibilities. The gardens comprise approximately 2 acres of formal gardens and lawns surrounding the main house, and a further 3 acres of wooded parkland. Within the garden area is a grade II listed sunken formal garden, a walled kitchen garden growing primarily flowers but with a variety of fresh produce, a rose garden and a pool garden. The gardens are set within a wider estate of arable fields, woodland, fishing lakes and grass paddocks used for horse livery.
Responsibilities:
- Hands on day-to-day maintenance of all aspects of the garden.
- Planting, lawn maintenance, pruning, hedge-trimming, weeding, watering, upkeep of driveways and maintenance of garden machinery.
- Woodland maintenance (cooperative).
- Assisting with general repairs (fences), track maintenance, tree planting, topping of conservation areas.
- Liaising with tenants, contractors and horse liveries.
Qualifications:
- Strong horticultural knowledge and practical skills.
- Experience working in diverse gardens essential.
- Attention to detail, organisation, good communication skills, enthusiasm and adaptability.
- Tractor experience, PA1/PA6 spraying qualifications and a basic chainsaw qualification will be beneficial (training can be provided).
The position includes a two-bedroom cottage with its own small garden, adjacent to the main house. The accommodation will be provided rent and council tax free, with utility bills to be covered by the occupant. The undergardener/housekeeper role entails assisting the Head Gardener with all gardening and grounds maintenance aspects and approximately 1-2 days of general housekeeping (predominantly cleaning and laundry) within the main house. Therefore sole applications for the role of Head Gardener will be considered as well as applications from couples to cover both roles. A driving licence is required due to the rural location. The working week is Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. Salary: circa £30-35,000 depending on experience. The Salary for a couples role to be discussed.
To apply please send a CV and covering email.
Head Gardener in Downham Market employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener in Downham Market
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate! Before your interview, take some time to research the gardens and the estate's history. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the employer during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your previous gardening projects or any relevant certifications. This visual evidence can really make you stand out and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for practical questions! Since this role is all about hands-on gardening, expect questions about your techniques and problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past work that highlight your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the estate and its gardening needs. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener in Downham Market
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: When you're writing your CV and cover email, make sure to highlight your strong horticultural knowledge and practical skills. We want to see what makes you the perfect fit for our Head Gardener role!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Share your enthusiasm for gardening and estate management, but also ensure your application is well-structured and free of typos.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This not only streamlines the process but also ensures your application gets to us quickly. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and how you would approach maintaining the diverse gardens mentioned in the job description. Showing your passion for gardening will definitely impress!
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your hands-on experience with garden maintenance, machinery, and any estate management tasks. Use specific scenarios to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability in different gardening environments.
✨Communication is Key
Since the role involves liaising with tenants and contractors, practice articulating how you would handle these interactions. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated or collaborated with others in a gardening or estate management context.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the estate and its gardens. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand the employer's expectations. For instance, ask about the current challenges they face in maintaining the gardens or their vision for future projects.