Set in the heart of the charming market town of Beaminster, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a passionate and experienced Skilled Gardener – Dorset to take a leading role in the ongoing care and development of a stunning and diverse private estate garden. This is a full-time, hands-on position for an individual who possesses a genuine enthusiasm for horticulture, and an eye for detail.
The property is nestled within 16 acres of breathtaking gardens, meadows and parkland. The grounds are home to a rich collection of mature specimen trees, a charming walled garden with a kitchen garden and cut flower garden, mixed beds and borders bursting with colour and texture and small greenhouse. Other features include a woodland walk, Victorian folly to be reinstated, a serene lake creating a picturesque and peaceful environment. This historic garden is not only a visual feast but also a haven for wildlife and thoughtfully designed to encourage biodiversity and seasonal interest. The gardens are managed to a high standard and are open through the NGS.
The successful candidate will work alongside two part time gardeners. The ideal candidate will have experience working on a private estate in a similar setting, have a good knowledge of plants and enjoy working to a high standard. Experience with garden machinery such as ride on mower, strimmer etc. would be beneficial. Tickets such as sprays certificates and chainsaw certificates would be advantageous. Physical fitness and energy are essential as this is a hands-on role.
Onsite accommodation can be provided for applicants who would be happy to incorporate animal care into their role. The family keeps a small collection of animals, including 4 alpacas, 7 chickens, and 3 pygmy goats. Animal care duties average approximately 5 hours per week (within working hours) and involve providing fresh water and hay, letting the animals out in the morning and bringing them in, as well as cleaning the enclosures twice a week. The accommodation offered is a charming two-bedroom cottage, provided rent-free. Council tax is covered by the employer, while the tenant is responsible for utility bills. Partners are welcome, pets to be discussed.
Due to the nature of the role, the working hours are seasonal: approx. 35 hours per week in the winter (1st November to 31st March) and approx. 45 hours per week in the summer (1st April to 31st October). Occasional weekends may be required, for which time off in lieu will be given. A full UK driving licence is essential for this position due to the location of the property. Please note that a DBS check and references will be required from the successful candidate at offer stage.
This opportunity would be well-suited to candidates seeking a long-term lifestyle role, where they can take pride in maintaining a beautiful, established, and much-loved garden while working closely with the estate owners. For animal lovers, the position offers a unique and varied experience, combining horticultural work with the rewarding responsibility of caring for a small collection of animals.
SALARY: £30,000 – £33,000 DOE
LOCATION: Beaminster, Dorset
JOB No: EC68352
If this Skilled Gardener – Dorset vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below’ or contact 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 Skilled Gardener – Dorset 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.
We are proud to work with:
- theProfessional Gardeners’ Guild
- theRHS
- theWFGA–offering the WRAGs Scheme
- Arne Maynard Garden Design
- Historic Houses
- the HBG Training Programme
Tagged as: Skilled Gardener
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skilled Gardener – Dorset in Beaminster
✨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.
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 Skilled Gardener – Dorset.
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.
