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- Tasks: Manage and maintain stunning gardens on a prestigious country estate.
- Company: Join a historic family estate in the beautiful Berkshire countryside.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, creative projects, and a chance to make your mark.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting garden redesigns and work with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in gardening and a love for horticulture is essential.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a unique environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
An excellent opportunity has become available for a Head Gardener to join a stunning and prestigious traditional country family estate with an historic manor house, set in the heart of the Berkshire countryside near Newbury. We are looking for someone who is hands-on, creative, enthusiastic and confident to take overall responsibility for managing and maintaining the gardens and grounds to the highest standards. The successful candidate will be able to project manage, work independently and bring a proactive, self-motivated approach to everything they do. A willingness to assist a small team and the family when needed is important, and flexibility is key to this role.
The main garden is currently being redesigned and new garden areas are soon to be developed across the estate — we want the new Head Gardener to be closely involved with these exciting projects from the outset. There are also several other properties on the estate with their own gardens that will require ongoing care and attention.
The Role
- Full care and maintenance of flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns, hedges, rose gardens and borders
- Planting, transplanting, fertilising, pruning, spraying, weeding, watering and managing pests and diseases
- Implementing and maintaining detailed landscape and seasonal planting plans
- Maintenance of garden structures, equipment and supplies, including the safe use of all machinery
- General groundskeeping: mowing, mulching, strimming, raking and upkeep of paths and driveways
- Greenhouse management including propagation of flowers, fruit and vegetables
- Care and management of the fruit orchard
- Swimming pool and tennis court maintenance
- Caring for the estate chickens and occasionally family pets
- Supporting ad hoc estate project work as required
- Liaising closely with the Estate Manager and the principals to deliver the owner’s vision for the garden
What We Are Looking For
- Solid, demonstrable experience in a similar Head Gardener or senior gardening role
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Proactive and self-motivated, with the confidence to manage your own workload
- A creative eye and genuine passion for horticulture and garden design
- Horticultural qualifications are desirable
- PA1/PA6 spraying certificates are desirable
- Good knowledge of trees and woodland management is a bonus
- A flexible and proactive attitude, willing to assist the team and the family when required
- A full, clean driving licence is essential
Details
- Start Date: As and when the right person is found
- Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
- Flexibility: Some weekend availability may be required
- Location: Near Newbury, Berkshire
- Driving: A full driving licence is essential
This is a wonderful opportunity for a passionate and skilled gardener to make their mark on a truly special estate.
Head Gardener – Country Estate in Kintbury employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Gardener – Country Estate in Kintbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate! Before your interview, take some time to research the property and its gardens. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and think about how you can contribute creatively. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you stand out!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow gardeners or horticulturalists in the area. They might have insights about the estate or even know someone on the hiring team. Plus, it’s always good to have connections in the gardening community!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have a portfolio of your previous work, bring it along to the interview. Photos of your past projects can really help illustrate your experience and creativity, making it easier for them to envision you in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it opens up a direct line of communication with the employer, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions after applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Gardener – Country Estate in Kintbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your love for horticulture shine through! Share specific examples of your gardening experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating beautiful spaces.
Be Detailed and Organised: Since attention to detail is key for this position, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to showcase your skills and experience. We appreciate a well-structured application!
Highlight Your Project Management Skills: This role involves managing various projects, so don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have in project management. We’re looking for someone who can take charge and bring ideas to life, so share your success stories!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can start the conversation about this exciting opportunity!
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 estate's gardens. Showing that you have a solid understanding of plant management will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share your ideas for the redesign of the main garden and any new areas. Bring along a portfolio or examples of past projects that highlight your creative flair and ability to manage garden design. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and passion for horticulture.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since the role requires flexibility and teamwork, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Share examples of how you've supported a team or family in achieving their gardening goals, showing that you're not just a lone wolf.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about specific gardening techniques and equipment. Brush up on your knowledge of machinery and maintenance practices, as well as pest management strategies. Being able to confidently answer these questions will show that you're hands-on and ready to take charge.