Skilled Gardener Live In – Private Estate, Oxfordshire

Skilled Gardener Live In- Vacancy

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Live-in Skilled Gardener to join a beautiful private historic garden near Oxford. This exceptional seven-acre private estate garden has been lovingly developed and maintained by its owners over the past 20 years, who are now seeking a passionate and knowledgeable horticulturist to manage, maintain, and continue enhancing these stunning gardens.

The diverse grounds feature an extensive walled garden with mixed herbaceous borders, a productive vegetable garden, cutting garden, traditional greenhouse, and a variety of fruit trees complemented by ornamental yew hedging and topiary. The estate also includes a newly designed drought-tolerant gravel garden, a planted terrace, and expansive formal lawns set amongst mature trees and woodland areas.

The Skilled Gardener will be responsible for the maintenance and ongoing development of the walled garden, formal gardens, planting beds, lawns, and wider estate grounds. This will include full glasshouse duties such as the propagation of annuals, perennials, and kitchen garden produce, alongside potting on and watering. You will take responsibility for the care and maintenance of ornamental trees, fruit trees, and shrubs, as well as monitoring and controlling pests and diseases throughout the gardens. The role will also involve supporting the implementation of planting schemes and contributing to the continued development of the gardens through creative input and horticultural expertise.

Additional responsibilities will include assisting with the maintenance of the swimming pool and water features, maintaining hedges, and supporting tree and woodland management across the estate. You will also be required to carry out the upkeep of hard landscaping areas including paths, terraces, and driveways, alongside general property maintenance such as drains, gutters, and downpipes. The role requires the safe operation and routine maintenance of horticultural machinery and equipment.

The skilled Gardener will also act as a key point of contact on the private estate, providing a level of security when the owners are away, and liaising with contractors to ensure projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget. There will be occasional involvement in supporting the household, including assisting with the care of dogs and undertaking weekend watering and essential garden duties when required.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a similar Skilled Gardener role within a private estate, historic garden, or high-quality horticultural environment, with strong practical horticultural knowledge and a genuine passion for gardening. You will be personable, adaptable, and an effective communicator, with a flexible approach and willingness to assist across the wider estate when required.

Experience in the use of a wide range of horticultural machinery is essential, including ride-on mowers, hedge cutters, brush cutters, and chainsaws, alongside a strong understanding of health and safety practices. You will demonstrate a proactive approach, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining exceptionally high standards, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

This is a full-time, permanent Live-in Skilled Gardener position offering an attractive two-bedroom cottage, suitable for a single occupant or a couple. All utilities are provided by the employer for the successful candidate.

A full UK driving licence is essential. Relevant horticultural qualifications are desirable, and certifications such as PA1/PA6 or chainsaw licences would be advantageous but are not essential.

SALARY: £35,000 + Accommodation

LOCATION: Oxford

JOB No: EC74583