At a Glance
- Tasks: Cultivate organic produce in a stunning walled garden and collaborate with a passionate team.
- Company: Brocklesby Park, a historic estate with beautiful grounds.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, accommodation options, pension scheme, and 28 days holiday.
- Why this job: Join a unique opportunity to work outdoors and grow fresh produce for a prestigious residence.
- Qualifications: Experience in organic gardening and a passion for sustainable practices.
- Other info: Flexible team player needed; enjoy working in all weather conditions.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Brocklesby Park is a rural estate in northern Lincolnshire, and is the private residence of The Earl and Countess of Yarborough. The gardens surrounding it include a large walled kitchen garden (organic status), heated greenhouses, ornamental gardens, extensive grounds, lawned areas and fine lawns, woodland, a lake, fountain, follies, formal hedges, churchyard, wildflower meadow, orchard, tennis court, biomass boiler, swimming pool, etc.
A full-time experienced Kitchen Gardener is sought and the main purpose of the role is to work within the six acre walled garden and its glass houses on the year round cultivation of produce for the Hall.
Requirements:- Understanding of the principles of organic vegetable production
- Competent in propagation, raising plants in modules and seed saving
- Experience in organic growing/principles of organic gardening
- Attention to detail in the harvesting and presentation of produce on a weekly basis
- Successional sowing and the raising of salads and herbs under glass throughout the season
- Understanding of traditional greenhouses, venting and organic pest control
- High level of physical fitness and ideally the ability to use rotavators and roto ploughs
- High level understanding of pruning and cropping of top fruit, soft fruit and nuts
- Understanding of composting, soil improvement and the incorporation of green manures into the rotation of crops
- Some experience of a range of garden machinery is preferable
- Some experience of cut flower production
- Presentation of the garden for an annual open day
- Take direction and form a good working relationship with the Head Gardener who will assist with seed ordering, sundries and productive garden planning
- Work with the Head Gardener on the growing of specific varieties and the forcing of vegetables for the cook/chef
- Work with other team members where needed to manage weeds
- Occasionally work with other team members in other areas
- A historic understanding and passion for walled gardening
- Be a flexible team player, who is able to use their own initiative
- Enthusiastic, tenacious, energetic, self-motivated
- A positive ‘can-do’ attitude
- Physically fit, energetic and ability to work outside in all weathers
- Avoid waste and recycle
- Salary to be negotiated
- Accommodation available if required
- Pension scheme
- Holidays 28 days per year (including bank holidays)
- Working Hours: Full Time
To apply please email a covering letter and c.v. to Will Grout (Head Gardener).
Kitchen Gardener – Live In/Live Out employer: ECG Limited
Contact Detail:
ECG Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Kitchen Gardener – Live In/Live Out
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate and its gardens before your interview. Familiarise yourself with the principles of organic gardening and think about how you can contribute to the walled kitchen garden. This shows your genuine interest and helps us see how you fit into our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some questions for the Head Gardener during your interview. Ask about specific challenges they face in the garden or how they manage seasonal changes. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps us gauge your understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your practical skills! If you have experience with garden machinery or organic pest control, be ready to discuss it. We love seeing candidates who can back up their knowledge with hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork abilities. We’re looking for someone who can collaborate with the Head Gardener and other team members. Share examples of how you've worked well in a team before, especially in outdoor settings.
We think you need these skills to ace Kitchen Gardener – Live In/Live Out
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Covering Letter: When writing your covering letter, make it personal! Share your passion for gardening and why you’re excited about the opportunity at Brocklesby Park. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in organic gardening and any relevant skills. We’re looking for specific examples of your work with plants, pest control, and garden machinery. Tailoring your CV shows us you’re serious about the role!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since attention to detail is key in this role, mention any experiences where you’ve demonstrated this skill. Whether it’s in harvesting or presentation, we want to know how you ensure quality in your work.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age of job applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Know Your Organic Gardening Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of organic vegetable production and the principles behind it. Be ready to discuss your experience with propagation, seed saving, and pest control methods. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about what the role entails.
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Be prepared to talk about your hands-on experience with garden machinery and techniques like pruning and cropping. If you’ve used rotavators or roto ploughs, mention it! They’ll want to know you can handle the physical demands of the job, so don’t shy away from sharing specific examples.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with the Head Gardener and other team members, highlight your ability to collaborate and take direction. Share instances where you’ve successfully worked in a team, especially in gardening or similar environments, to show you’re a flexible team player.
✨Bring Your Enthusiasm
Your passion for gardening should shine through during the interview. Talk about your love for walled gardens and any personal projects you’ve undertaken. A positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm can set you apart, so let them see how excited you are about the opportunity!