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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and enhance a stunning 50-acre garden with a small, enthusiastic team.
- Company: Join a beautiful family-run estate in picturesque West Dorset.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with opportunities for hands-on gardening experience.
- Why this job: Perfect for passionate horticulturists wanting to make a real impact in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Horticultural qualifications and experience in diverse gardens are essential.
- Other info: Ideal for those who love teamwork and biodiversity in a scenic countryside setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
An exciting Head Gardener role has become available to take responsibility for a historically renowned landscape set within a diversified rural estate in southwest Scotland. The gardens are open to the public for 7 months of the year and are home to a wide collection of mature tree specimens and a diverse range of Rhododendron species.
The gardens cover 75 acres on an isthmus and feature sculpted landforms, tree-lined avenues, a Rhododendron collection, a round pond, champion trees and a variety of rare species. Formal areas include an ornamental walled garden with herbaceous planting, mixed perennial planting and formal lawns. The area’s micro-climate supports exotic plants that can grow and flourish here.
Responsibilities
- Plan, oversee and implement the seasonal operations across the gardens, maintaining high presentation standards, particularly when open to the public.
- Manage an existing small team of gardeners with the aim of growing the team and implementing a volunteer programme.
- Ensure compliance with Estate Health and Safety Policy for all gardening staff and contractors.
- Develop and improve the landscape by managing tree and plant collections, identifying, labeling and recording the historic collection.
- Work with the owners to design and implement planting plans and displays, utilizing the unique micro-climate.
- Communicate effectively with the owners to plan annual and monthly activities.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Previous Head Gardener experience with extensive plant knowledge.
- Strong staff management skills and the ability to develop a diverse plant collection within a historic landscape.
- Clear and demonstrable experience as Head Gardener, excellent attention to detail and a positive, enthusiastic attitude.
- At least six seasons of garden management experience; detailed knowledge of plants; physically fit with good hands-on gardening skills.
Accommodation and Benefits
Accommodation is provided with this role; council tax will be paid by the employer with occupants responsible for utility bills. Pets and children are welcome.
SALARY: Circa £45,000 DOE + Accommodation
LOCATION: Dumfries and Galloway
JOB No: EC69957
How to apply
If this Gardener is of interest, please apply below, call to speak to Sara Yassin on 01233 733510, or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.
Affiliations
We are proud to work with:
- Professional Gardeners’ Guild
- RHS
- WFGA – offering the WRAGs Scheme
- Arne Maynard Garden Design
- Historic Houses
- HBG Training Programme
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Tagged as: Dumfries & Galloway, head gardener
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Head Gardener employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific plants and horticultural practices relevant to the gardens at the estate. Research the types of flora present in similar environments and be prepared to discuss how you would manage and enhance these areas during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a team in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to teamwork and how you motivate others, as this role requires collaboration with an existing team.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your commitment to biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices. Be prepared to share your ideas on how to implement eco-friendly methods in the garden, which will resonate well with the values of a family-run estate.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your physical fitness and readiness for the demands of the job. You might want to mention any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to handle the physical aspects of gardening, such as lifting, digging, or operating machinery.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in horticulture, particularly in managing diverse gardens. Include specific examples of your previous roles and responsibilities that align with the requirements of the Head Gardener position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gardening and your leadership skills. Mention your academic qualifications and any relevant certifications, such as spraying or chainsaw certificates, even if they are not essential.
Highlight Teamwork Experience: Since this role involves working with a small team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Provide examples of how you have successfully led or worked within a team in previous gardening roles.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Biodiversity: Demonstrate your understanding of biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices in your application. Discuss any initiatives you have implemented in past roles that contributed to the health and diversity of gardens.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Horticulture
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for gardening and horticulture during the interview. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or plants you've cultivated that demonstrate your passion and expertise.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Experience
Since this role involves managing a small team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in previous roles, focusing on collaboration and achieving common goals.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Biodiversity
Given the emphasis on biodiversity in the job description, be ready to talk about your understanding of ecological practices and how you can implement them in the estate's gardens. Discuss any relevant experience you have with sustainable gardening techniques.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your practical knowledge and skills, such as plant identification and garden management techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of local flora and be ready to discuss how you would approach various gardening challenges.
