At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the restoration of a historic garden and manage a team of gardeners.
- Company: Join a stunning country estate with over 1,000 acres of picturesque farmland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and work in an inspiring countryside setting.
- Other info: This role offers both live-in and live-out options.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on a prestigious garden while nurturing your passion for horticulture.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised horticultural qualification and experience in managing large gardens.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Senior Gardener – Live-in-or-Live-out
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate Senior Gardener to lead the restoration of a historic (Grade 1 listed) garden on a stunning country estate. This mature garden, featuring substantial park and lakeland, lawned areas, ancient woodland and trees, an established vegetable garden with fruit trees, ornamental planting, walled garden and water garden is ready for a creative and dedicated gardener to bring it back to its former glory.
Set in a rural area near Reading in the Berkshire countryside, the estate spans over 1,000 acres of picturesque farmland, bordered by serene rivers and home to a variety of facilities, including a traditional working farm, luxury equestrian centre, and wildlife management areas. This is a unique and inspiring setting for a skilled gardener to thrive.
The Senior Gardener will report on a daily basis to the Operations Manager for all aspects of the work, however will frequently report directly to the family regarding their desires in respect of the gardens and grounds.
Key Responsibilities:
● Oversee the restoration, maintenance and ongoing enhancement of the Hall gardens to a Grade I listed standard.
● Manage a team of 2 gardeners and additional apprentices and seasonal labourers, providing guidance, ongoing training and supervision.
● Work under direction of the family to develop and execute a vision for the Hall gardens.
● Manage the lawned areas, parkland, trees and fruiting trees, vegetable garden, ornamental areas, walled garden and water garden with expertise and care.
● To deliver on budget for the gardens with the support and oversight of the Operations Manager.
● Ensure all work adheres to environmental best practices and safety standards.
● To ensure Garden machinery, equipment and vehicles are maintained and records kept detailing maintenance and safety checks.
Qualifications and Skills Required:
The ideal candidate will have:
● A recognised horticultural qualification, such as RHS Level 3 (or equivalent)
● Proven experience in managing large and historically significant gardens.
● Exceptional garden design and restoration skills.
● Strong leadership and team management experience.
● Thorough understanding of plants, soil management, and environmental practices.
● Excellent organisational and communication skills.
● A truly hands-on approach, speed & efficiency in executing tasks personally to a high standard as well as collaborating with, training & supervising others.
● Genuine passion for gardening and creating beautiful spaces.
What We Offer:
● The opportunity to make a lasting impact by restoring and revitalising a prestigious garden.
● Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
● The chance to work in a picturesque and inspiring countryside setting.
This private advert is being managed directly by the employer. English Country Gardeners are not involved in the hiring process and are therefore unable to share any additional information on this role. If you have any questions regarding this position, the best course of action is to apply for the job which will open a line of communication with the employer.
If you would like to view more information on the Professional Gardeners Guild, please clickhereand the Royal Horticultural Society, please clickhere.
For more gardener roles please clickhere.
Tagged as: Berkshire, Live In OR Live out, Reading, Senior Gardener
#J-18808-LjbffrSenior Gardener – Live-in or Live-out in Reading employer: ECG Limited
Join a prestigious country estate in the Berkshire countryside as a Senior Gardener, where you will have the unique opportunity to lead the restoration of a historic Grade I listed garden. Our work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing you to make a lasting impact while enjoying a picturesque setting that inspires both personal and professional growth. With competitive salaries and a supportive environment, we are dedicated to nurturing your passion for gardening and providing you with the tools to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Gardener – Live-in or Live-out in Reading
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like ECG Limited.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like ECG Limited.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at ECG Limited; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gardener – Live-in or Live-out in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at ECG Limited.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Senior Gardener – Live-in or Live-out.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what ECG Limited is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at ECG Limited a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at ECG Limited might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
