At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and develop beautiful gardens on a stunning private estate.
- Company: Charming estate with rich history and a focus on horticulture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, rent-free accommodation, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Live in a modern apartment and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Shape an emerging landscape while enjoying the beauty of nature every day.
- Qualifications: 3+ years of gardening experience and RHS Level 2 qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 32000 £ per year.
A rewarding opportunity for a sole gardener (live in) to manage the grounds of a small private estate on the Northamptonshire/Oxfordshire border. Redeveloped in 2011, this lovely property has been the site of a mill house since before the Domesday Book and comprises paddocks, a grass meadow, a mill stream and 6 acres of largely informal gardens including a young orchard and extensive hedge and tree planting.
Duties
- The day to day seasonal work is broad and varied, covering all aspects of herbaceous border care and development; lawn management; plant husbandry and propagation; soil improvement and compost production; field, tree and hedgerow planting and maintenance; stream management; orchard management; and wildlife conservation.
- Planning and implementing new garden developments normally occupies centre stage in the winter months, providing scope to influence the development and character of the gardens in collaboration with the owners.
- You will also be expected to maintain the estate’s landscaping equipment and tools.
- The owners have other properties in the local area, where you may periodically be asked to carry out garden maintenance.
Skills
- A passion for horticulture and plants is central, along with the enthusiasm and creativity to participate in the development and implementation of new plans for the gardens.
- An interest in the work of Piet Oudolf, Dan Pearson and other naturalistic landscape architects is helpful.
- The ideal candidate will have more than three years of relevant experience and horticultural qualification to at least RHS Level 2 (or equivalent).
- Demonstrable plant knowledge and skill are essential, as is the ability to work safely and unsupervised.
- You will need to be physically fit, self-sufficient and well-organised, as well as competent in operating and maintaining a range of garden machinery.
- A chainsaw licence and PA1/PA6 spraying certificates will be needed.
- The best candidates will also have good basic DIY skills for tasks such as constructing planters; compost bins; as well as routine repairs to hard landscaping and fencing.
The role would suit a committed and thoughtful professional gardener looking for further career development and who will relish the opportunity to help shape an emerging landscape. A modern 2 bedroom apartment in the nearby market town of Banbury is provided as accommodation (rent free, excluding bills) for the successful candidate. You will need your own transport and a clean UK driving licence.
Salary
Up to £32,000 DOE plus accommodation and pension contributions. Suitable training and professional development opportunities are also available by arrangement.
Working Hours
Normal working hours are Monday-Friday 8.30-4.30 with some seasonal variation.
Sole Gardener – Live In employer: ECG Limited
Join a dedicated team at this picturesque private estate, where your passion for horticulture will flourish in a supportive and creative environment. With a focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to shape the gardens while enjoying a rent-free modern apartment in Banbury, alongside competitive salary and pension contributions. This role not only offers a chance to work independently but also to collaborate with the owners on exciting new developments, making it an ideal position for a committed gardener seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sole Gardener – Live In
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate and its owners before your interview. Research the property’s history and current garden projects, so you can show your genuine interest and passion for horticulture. This will help us see that you're not just looking for any job, but that you truly want to be part of this specific team.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous gardening work. Include photos of gardens you've managed, plants you've propagated, and any creative projects you've undertaken. This visual evidence of your skills will make you stand out and give us a clear idea of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to gardening and landscape management. Think about how you would approach tasks like soil improvement or wildlife conservation. Being able to articulate your methods and ideas will demonstrate your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and serious about joining our team. We can’t wait to see what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Sole Gardener – Live In
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture:When writing your application, let your love for plants and gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and creativity in garden development.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your relevant experience, especially if you have over three years in horticulture. Mention any qualifications like RHS Level 2 and any special skills, such as operating garden machinery or DIY tasks.
Tailor Your Application:Customise your application to reflect the job description. If you’re familiar with naturalistic landscape architects like Piet Oudolf, mention it! This shows us you understand the role and are genuinely interested.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at ECG Limited
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and how you would manage the herbaceous borders and orchard. Showing your passion for horticulture will definitely impress the owners.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in garden management, especially any projects where you implemented new developments. This is your chance to demonstrate your creativity and how you've contributed to previous gardens.
✨Demonstrate DIY Skills
Since the role requires basic DIY skills, think of instances where you've constructed planters or made repairs. Bring along photos or a portfolio if possible, as this can visually showcase your hands-on abilities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the estate and its future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to shaping the landscape.
