At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for beautiful gardens and landscapes at Ampleforth Abbey.
- Company: Join the UK's largest Benedictine monastic community in a stunning location.
- Benefits: Up to £26,624 salary, free lunch, discounts, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, nurture nature, and contribute to a tranquil environment.
- Qualifications: Strong horticultural knowledge and experience in outdoor settings.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 26624 £ per year.
Salary: up to £26,624 (pro rata for part time), dependent on experience and skills
Hours: Full time and part-time hours will be considered.
Based at Ampleforth Abbey, Ampleforth, YO62 4EN
About Ampleforth Abbey
Ampleforth Abbey is home to the UK’s largest Benedictine monastic community, rooted in the Rule of St Benedict. Our mission is to seek God through prayer and service, and to invite others to experience faith in action. Located in the Howardian Hills near York, the Abbey sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and welcomes thousands of visitors each year to its Retreat Centre, Visitor Centre, Shop and Tea Room. Ampleforth Abbey Trust, a registered charity, works alongside the monastic community to support this mission. With around 60 lay staff, the Trust delivers on a five-year strategy, choosing a Future Together, to ensure a sustainable, faith-led future for the Abbey and its valley home.
We are seeking an Estates Gardener who will be responsible for the care, maintenance, and ongoing development of the gardens and landscaped areas across Ampleforth Abbey Trust. The postholder will ensure that all horticultural spaces are presented to a consistently high standard, supporting the beauty, tranquillity, and heritage of the Abbey grounds. This role requires a skilled horticulturalist with strong practical ability, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining healthy, well‑managed gardens throughout the year.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintenance of Formal and Informal Gardens: Care of herbaceous borders, ornamental beds, rose gardens, and seasonal displays, ensuring they remain attractive and well‑presented.
- Cultivation and Plant Husbandry: Propagation, seed sowing, pruning, staking, mulching, watering, and general plant care, with a focus on maintaining plant health and vigour.
- Greenhouse Work: Raising plants for borders and displays, managing tender species, and supporting cut‑flower and seasonal production.
- Tree and Shrub Care: Light arboriculture tasks, formative pruning, and monitoring the condition of trees and shrubs, reporting issues where necessary.
- Grounds Presentation: Maintenance of gardens, and garden structures, ensuring all areas remain tidy, safe, and visually attractive.
- Machinery and Equipment: Safe and competent use of horticultural machinery and tools, including routine cleaning, basic maintenance, and reporting of repairs.
- ATV Operation: Ability to safely operate an ATV for transport of tools, materials, and personnel around the site.
- Seasonal and Weather‑Related Duties: Leaf clearance, winter preparation, snow, ice clearance, and planting of bulbs and seasonal bedding.
- Support for Grounds‑Related Activities: Assisting with garden‑based projects, improvements, and occasional events requiring horticultural support.
- Event Support: Assist with occasional out‑of‑hours events, including helping with parking management and general grounds support when required.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Strong horticultural knowledge, ideally supported by formal training.
- Experience working in gardens, estates, parks, or similar outdoor environments.
- Ability to identify plants, pests, and diseases, and apply appropriate treatments.
- High standards of workmanship and pride in garden presentation.
- Physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Reliability, good communication skills, and the ability to work effectively within a grounds team.
- Ability to work independently and manage tasks efficiently.
- Cut‑flower production.
What we offer
- Up to 8% employer-matched pension
- Life assurance
- Free lunch during working hours
- Free on-site parking
- 20% discount at the Tea room and Abbey Shop
- Christmas Closure
- Historic Houses and Yorkshire Great Houses, Castles and Gardens passes to borrow
- Employee Assistance programme
- Retail savings platform
- 50% discount on fitness suite, swimming and other activities at St Albans Centre
Ampleforth Abbey Trust is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Interested? If you feel that you possess the relevant skills and experience, then please send your cv by return to recruitment@ampleforthabbey.org.uk.
Equals One is an advertising and recruitment agency working on behalf of our client to promote this vacancy. You may be contacted directly by the employer should they wish to progress your application. Due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to provide specific feedback if your application is unsuccessful.
Estates Gardener in York employer: Equals One Ltd
Bluebird Care Calderdale and Bradford is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of both its employees and customers. With flexible shifts, comprehensive training, and a supportive team environment, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals while enjoying ongoing career development. Join us in Halifax and Brighouse, where your compassion and dedication can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estates Gardener in York
✨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 Equals One Ltd.
✨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 Equals One Ltd.
✨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 Equals One Ltd; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Estates Gardener in York
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 Equals One Ltd.
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 Estates Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Equals One Ltd 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 Equals One Ltd a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Equals One Ltd
✨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 Equals One Ltd might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
