At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain stunning gardens and grounds on a historic estate while engaging with visitors.
- Company: A prestigious historic estate in West Dorset, known for its beautiful landscape.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days holiday, pension contribution, and health care.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent work-life balance and opportunities to learn.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and work in a breathtaking environment with rich history.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years gardening experience and relevant horticultural qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 32500 - 32500 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen on a large historic estate in West Dorset, for an experienced gardener in search of a rewarding role within a small team. This role will suit a skilled and practical gardener with 3-5 years’ experience and a genuine love for their profession.
This nationally significant ‘Capability’ Brown-designed landscape extends to over 40 acres and dates back more than 400 years. Grade I listed and open to the public, it is recognised as an outstanding example of English landscape design. The rich and varied gardens comprise sweeping lawns, a large ornamental lake, and extensive areas of mature woodland and parkland, interspersed with an impressive collection of specimen trees. Formal areas of ornamental planting, including herbaceous beds and borders, deliver seasonal colour and texture, complemented by a productive glasshouse used for propagation and seasonal displays.
Reporting to the Gardens Supervisor, the successful candidate will assist in the maintenance of the gardens and grounds and conduct a range of horticultural and landscape maintenance operations. The position would suit a knowledgeable gardener with private estate gardening experience and a strong working knowledge of a range of garden machinery including pedestrian, ride-on and ideally, tractor mounted mowers.
The ideal candidate will hold a recognised horticultural qualification, spraying certificate (PA1/PA6) and preferably a chainsaw and UTV certificate, though the latter is not essential at this stage. As the gardens are open to the public, the gardener should be comfortable with talking to visitors.
Applications are sought from experienced gardeners with academic qualifications, e.g. a National Certificate or the first year of an ND or HND, RHS Level 2, or other qualifications in the theory of horticulture. A driving licence is essential for the role, with Spray, Chainsaw and UTV certifications desired but not essential so long as strong horticultural knowledge can be demonstrated.
3-5 years’ experience of practical horticulture is desired, as is an eye for detail, an ability to work well alone and as part of a team, and a willingness to learn and assist on the estate where necessary to ensure the smooth running of the gardens.
This is a full-time permanent role offering 40-hours per week on a year-round basis, with 30-days’ holiday (including Bank Holidays), an employer pension contribution and Westfield Health Care. Hours of work are 08:00 – 16:30, Monday to Friday.
SALARY: Circa £32,500 DOE
LOCATION: West Dorset
Gardener – Historic Estate, Dorset employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener – Historic Estate, Dorset
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate before your interview! Take a stroll around the gardens and familiarise yourself with the layout and plant varieties. This will not only impress the hiring team but also give you a chance to think about how you can contribute to maintaining this beautiful landscape.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills during the interview! Be ready to discuss specific gardening techniques you've mastered and any machinery you're comfortable using. We want to see your passion for horticulture shine through, so don’t hold back on sharing your experiences!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or even visitor interactions. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you on board to help maintain this stunning estate!
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener – Historic Estate, Dorset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your skills and what makes you excited about working in a historic estate like this one.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially any work with garden machinery or in private estates. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity on our beautiful estate.
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 they fit into the historic landscape. This shows your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a role in such a significant garden.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to share examples from your previous roles that highlight your practical gardening skills. Talk about your experience with garden machinery, maintenance operations, and any special projects you've undertaken. This will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and suitability for the position.
✨Engage with Visitors
Since the gardens are open to the public, think about how you would interact with visitors. Prepare some friendly conversation starters or anecdotes about the gardens. This will show that you're not only skilled but also personable and ready to represent the estate.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready about the estate's gardening practices or future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it keeps the conversation flowing!