Head Gardener – Private Estate in Romsey

Overview

My trusted client urgently requires an experienced, personable and reliable Head Gardener with DIY skills to join a private estate in the suburbs of Romsey, Hampshire. The estate comprises a 6-bedroom home, set within 18 acres of woodland, formal and informal gardens and paddocks with domestic livestock including horses and ponies. It is essential for the successful candidate to have additional DIY skills, be a self-starter and conduct themselves professionally. Trustworthiness, reliability, resilience, integrity and common sense are essential in this position. This will be a varied role and include property and grounds maintenance, some horticulture, agriculture, and woodland work. Applicants are not necessarily expected to hold every listed skill as full training will be provided on some aspects of the role if required.

Responsibilities

• General maintenance of gardens, fencing, woodland, small lake and the main residence and small buildings within the grounds to a high standard.
• Maintenance around the grounds and property (trades experience is an advantage but not totally essential).
• Maintenance of garden and plant machinery.
• Maintenance of swimming pool and other leisure facilities.
• Renewable energy heating – Biomass and log burner (training can be given).
• Jet washing of buildings.
• Weeding, seeding and spraying of gardens.
• Mole and rabbit trapping.
• Plant, shrub and hedge trimming.
• Ditch maintenance.
• Pond cleaning and de-weeding.
• Prepare kindling for fires & log burners.
• Drainage & guttering maintenance.
• Lawn mowing & edging.
• Leaf and branch removal and strimming of long grass.
• Moss and weed control including ivy and honeysuckle.
• Path repairs.
• Fence repairs.
• Ensure tennis courts are clean and usable.
• Assisting contractors and suppliers.
• Occasional driving for the family and care of vehicles.

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience within a similar role in the past.
• Ability to deal with basic electrical, plumbing or DIY related tasks.
• Experience with tractors, plant and garden machinery and tooling (ideally alongside relevant qualifications).
• Full UK Driving Licence (including towing).
• Can-do attitude with an ability to problem solve and turn their hand to most types of DIY and maintenance-focused tasks.
• Proficient in the use of ride-on and pedestrian mowers.
• Proficient in the use of hedge cutters, grass trimmers and other tools for grass cutting and pruning.
• Good horticultural knowledge and understanding of care requirements of various plants and trees across seasons.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to plan, organise and prioritise tasks to deadlines according to the seasons.
• Knowledge of irrigation using sprinklers and drip/soaker hoses to the needs of the plants and their environment.
• Ability to maintain and repair fences, gates and garden structures.
• Understanding and management of ponds, fountains and water features.
• Knowledge and ability to control weeds in lawns, beds, gravel paths and other hard surfaces.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.

My client offers a competitive salary and benefits alongside a superb working environment within a friendly and supportive team. The position is ideally full-time and permanent, but all candidates with the right skills and attitude will be considered, including experienced operatives who may be looking for slightly reduced hours.