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- Tasks: Maintain and develop a stunning 60-acre country garden with diverse horticultural features.
- Company: Join a historic estate in East Sussex, dedicated to restoring elegant gardens.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working days and competitive pay of up to £200 per day.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, enhancing beautiful landscapes while enjoying nature.
- Qualifications: RHS Level 2 or equivalent, extensive gardening experience, and strong plant knowledge required.
- Other info: Candidates must be trustworthy and discreet due to the private estate setting.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a part-time Experienced Gardener to maintain and assist in the future development of an established large country garden near Etchingham, East Sussex. This position is offered to self-employed skilled gardeners in the locality, on a 3-day per week basis, focusing on the garden's finer horticultural aspects.
This historic property is set within a 60-acre estate with 4 acres of formal Georgian gardens. Since its purchase, significant work has been undertaken to restore the space into an elegant and productive garden. Features include:
- Walled garden with two large glasshouses
- Organic kitchen garden with fruit cage
- Mature orchard and rose gardens
- Pleached lime tree walk and large herbaceous border
- Manicured hedging and Italian cypress forming Italian-style and pool gardens
- Extensive beech and yew hedging creating garden rooms
- Ericaceous beds with azalea, camellia, and rhododendron, complemented by clipped topiaries and holly hedging
- Mature woodland, potted planting, a hen house, and beehives
Responsibilities
The gardener will need to:
- Lead and motivate an experienced Groundsperson and Garden Assistant
- Carry out general maintenance such as pruning, propagating, weeding, edging, crop rotation, and seasonal mulch and compost management
- Manage external contractors for heavier work, with previous experience in contractor management advantageous
- Maintain gardening machinery, requiring experience with a range of tools, and certifications such as PA1, PA6, and chainsaw operation are desirable
Candidate Profile
Applicants should possess:
- An academic horticultural qualification (e.g., RHS Level 2 or equivalent)
- Extensive experience in similar estate roles with excellent plant knowledge and technical skills
- Experience in compost management, propagation, spraying, and rejuvenating beds
- A self-motivated, organized, and reliable work ethic
- Physical fitness and ability to work in all weather conditions
Working Conditions
The preferred working days are Monday, Thursday, and Friday, but flexibility is possible for the right candidate. Hours depend on the season. Applicants should live within commuting distance, hold a full driving license, and have their own transport.
Additional Requirements
Due to the private estate setting, candidates must be loyal, trustworthy, and exercise discretion. The role is subject to reference checks, a DBS check, and signing a non-disclosure agreement.
Salary and Location
Salary: Up to £200 per day DOE
Location: Etchingham, East Sussex
Application Process
If interested, please click ‘Apply for job’ or contact Sophie Sharpe at 01233 733510 or via email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk. Applicants must complete a Candidate Registration.
For details on data use, see our privacy policy. Due to high application volume, responses may be limited. If you do not hear within 14 days, your application was unsuccessful.
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Gardener (Part Time)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific plants and gardening techniques mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you during any interviews but also show your genuine interest and expertise in maintaining a historic garden.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local gardening communities or professionals in East Sussex. Engaging with others in the field can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing contractors and maintaining gardening machinery. Highlighting these skills can set you apart, as they are specifically mentioned as advantageous for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your reliability and discretion in previous roles. Since the position is within a private estate, showcasing examples of your trustworthiness can make a significant impact on your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Gardener (Part Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific responsibilities and requirements for the Experienced Gardener position. Highlight your relevant experience in horticulture and any specific skills mentioned, such as contractor management or machinery maintenance.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience in gardening, particularly in estate roles. Include details about your academic qualifications, such as RHS Level 2, and any certifications like PA1, PA6, or chainsaw operation that are relevant to the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gardening and your understanding of the specific garden features mentioned in the job description. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities of leading a team and managing contractors.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in maintaining a large country garden.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Showcase Your Horticultural Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your academic qualifications and practical experience in horticulture. Highlight specific plants you have worked with and any techniques you excel in, such as propagation or compost management.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves leading a Groundsperson and Garden Assistant, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Discuss your approach to motivating others and managing external contractors.
✨Discuss Your Maintenance Experience
Talk about your hands-on experience with garden maintenance tasks like pruning, weeding, and using gardening machinery. Mention any relevant certifications you hold, such as PA1, PA6, or chainsaw operation, to reinforce your expertise.
✨Emphasise Reliability and Discretion
Given the private estate setting, it's crucial to convey your trustworthiness and ability to maintain confidentiality. Share instances where you've demonstrated loyalty and discretion in previous roles.