Gardener / Groundsperson

Gardener / Groundsperson

Full-Time 28000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
ECG Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Maintain stunning gardens and horticultural features on a beautiful private estate.
  • Company: Join a prestigious estate with a rich history and diverse landscapes.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Work outdoors, nurture nature, and create beauty in a vibrant garden setting.
  • Qualifications: Passion for gardening and willingness to learn; driving licence required.
  • Other info: Dynamic team environment with potential for training and development.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for three hands‑on Gardener / Groundspersons to maintain the horticultural features of a beautiful private estate near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. This is a full‑time, permanent position offering the chance to work within a diverse and well‑established garden.

The 550‑acre estate is predominantly grazed land, with approximately 50 acres surrounding the main house dedicated to formal gardens and pleasure grounds that require ongoing attention from the gardening team. The gardens feature a formal terrace with parterres, extensive lawns, and mature specimen trees including copper beech, oak, yew, and cedar. There are ornamental shrubs, woodland areas, fishponds, water features, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. The estate also benefits from a walled kitchen garden, currently ornamental but with scope for productive restoration, as well as two greenhouses used for propagation and vegetable growing.

The successful candidates will be part of a team reporting to the Estate Manager responsible for maintaining the gardens and undertaking all associated horticultural tasks to a consistently high professional standard. The role includes supporting the Estate Manager with planting programmes to ensure seasonal interest throughout the borders, as well as contributing to the preparation and implementation of annual maintenance schedules for borders, trees, and lawns.

Duties will vary daily and will include assisting with planting schemes to maintain year‑round seasonal interest and monitoring the health and presentation of extensive herbaceous borders through pruning, staking, feeding, and spraying where appropriate. The role involves comprehensive lawn care, including irrigating, reseeding, fertilising, and scarifying.

The Gardener will carry out a full range of practical horticultural tasks such as weeding, digging, forking, mulching, watering, raking, edging, pruning, bed preparation, planting, and hedge cutting. The use of hand tools and light machinery is essential, including mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, chainsaws, and leaf blowers. The Gardener will be required to assist with duties across the wider estate, particularly in the winter months.

All tools and equipment must be kept clean and in good working order, with any defects reported promptly to the Estate Manager. Strict adherence to Health and Safety at Work legislation is essential at all times. Any defects, hazards, or security risks identified on the estate must be reported immediately.

Spray certificates PA1 / PA6 and chainsaw ticket would be advantageous or the willingness to obtain as training can be provided. A driving licence is required due to the location of the property.

SALARY: up to £35,000 DOE

LOCATION: Near Chipping Norton

Gardener / Groundsperson employer: ECG Limited

Join a dedicated team at a stunning 550-acre private estate near Chipping Norton, where your passion for horticulture will thrive in a diverse and well-established garden. We offer a supportive work culture that values professional growth, with opportunities for training and development in a picturesque setting, ensuring you can cultivate both plants and your career. Enjoy the unique advantage of working in a beautiful environment while contributing to the maintenance of formal gardens, woodlands, and kitchen gardens, all while adhering to high standards of health and safety.
ECG Limited

Contact Detail:

ECG Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Gardener / Groundsperson

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the estate! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the gardens and the types of plants they have. This shows your genuine interest and helps you chat confidently about how you can contribute.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Bring along photos or a portfolio of your previous gardening work. Whether it’s a stunning flower bed or a well-maintained lawn, visuals can really help us see what you can bring to the team.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready for hands-on tasks during the interview! We might ask you to demonstrate some practical skills, so come prepared to get your hands dirty and show us your gardening prowess.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Gardener / Groundsperson

Horticultural Knowledge
Planting Techniques
Lawn Care
Weeding
Pruning
Use of Hand Tools
Light Machinery Operation
Health and Safety Compliance
Attention to Detail
Team Collaboration
Adaptability
Driving Licence
Spray Certificates PA1 / PA6
Chainsaw Ticket

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let us see your love for gardening shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your hands-on skills and dedication to horticulture.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the Gardener / Groundsperson role. Highlight relevant experience with specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like lawn care and plant maintenance.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you!

How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited

✨Know Your Plants

Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with the specific plants and features mentioned in the job description, like copper beech and yew trees. Being able to discuss their care and maintenance will show your passion and expertise.

✨Showcase Your Skills

Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with gardening tools and machinery. Be ready to share examples of how you've used mowers, strimmers, or chainsaws in previous roles. This will demonstrate your practical skills and readiness for the job.

✨Emphasise Teamwork

Since this role involves working as part of a team, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others in a gardening or landscaping context. Highlighting your ability to work well with the Estate Manager and fellow gardeners will make you a more attractive candidate.

✨Health and Safety Awareness

Understand the importance of health and safety in gardening. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure safe practices while working with tools and chemicals. Mention any relevant certifications you have or your willingness to obtain them, as this shows your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.

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