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- Tasks: Manage and maintain a stunning 13-acre estate with diverse landscapes.
- Company: Join a private household in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tools provided, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a unique estate and work independently outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in large gardens and strong plant knowledge required.
- Other info: Enjoy a flexible self-employed role with occasional dog sitting.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Near Northleach, Gloucestershire
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum (self-employed)
Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday (winter hours 8:00am – 4:00pm)
Self-Employed Position
The Burford Recruitment Company is delighted to be representing a private household at their beautiful countryside estate. They are seeking an experienced Gardener / Estate Manager to take responsibility for the maintenance, presentation and ongoing development of their exceptional private grounds. This is a rare opportunity for a highly skilled horticulturalist to take ownership of a diverse estate, working independently in a trusted long-term role. The successful candidate will manage a wide range of landscapes including formal gardens, woodland, water features and grazing land, all maintained to the highest possible standard. The estate extends to approximately 13 acres and includes formal gardens, a large pond, multiple water features, a stream, woodland, coppice areas, grazing fields, a wildflower meadow, and a large Alitex greenhouse supported by a fully equipped potting shed and gardener’s office.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain all lawns, meadows, banks and fields using a range of machinery
- Weeding, edging, pruning, dead-heading and watering
- Hedge cutting, topiary clipping and tree pruning
- Manage the pond, stream and water features including filtration, cleaning and water treatment
- Keep all hard landscaping clean and free of debris
- Manage compost systems and green waste
- Maintain fencing, gates and bridges
- Oversee all tools and machinery, arranging servicing when required
- Run the greenhouse and potting shed
- Propagate plants from seed and cuttings and plant out
- Plant bulbs, nursery stock and manage plant divisions
- Keep the garage and equipment store tidy
- Provide occasional house and dog sitting (paid separately)
Skills and Experience Required
- Proven experience managing or maintaining large private gardens, with strong plant knowledge including seasonal care and propagation
- Confident using a wide range of garden machinery; equipment maintenance skills advantageous but not essential
- Proactive, flexible and able to work independently with a positive attitude
- Physically fit and happy working outdoors in all seasons
- Experience of woodland, meadow or wildlife gardening advantageous
- Trustworthy, discreet and reliable, with previous private household or estate experience preferred
- A genuine dog lover, comfortable with daily interaction and very occasional dog sitting (dog sitting is rare)
- Willing to work on a self-employed basis
Salary & Benefits
- Salary in the range of £35,000–£40,000 per annum on a self-employed basis, paid monthly
- House and dog sitting remunerated at £70 per day (very occasionally)
- All tools, machinery, fuel, plants and consumables provided
- Relevant training courses funded where appropriate
- Dedicated gardener’s WC facilities
- Fully equipped gardener’s office including heating, refrigerator, microwave, kettle and Wi-Fi access
Gardener / Estate Manager employer: The Burford Recruitment Company Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Burford Recruitment Company Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener / Estate Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the estate before your interview! If you can, visit the area and take a stroll around the grounds. This will not only give you a feel for the place but also help you come up with ideas on how you could enhance the gardens during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your previous gardening projects or any relevant certifications. This is your chance to demonstrate your horticultural expertise and how you can manage diverse landscapes effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your approach to garden maintenance and development. Think about how you would tackle specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like managing water features or propagating plants. This shows you're proactive and have a solid plan!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to express your love for dogs! Since the role includes occasional dog sitting, sharing a bit about your experience with pets can help you connect with the employer. Plus, it shows you’re a good fit for their household vibe!
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener / Estate Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience managing large private gardens. We want to see your strong plant knowledge and any specific skills you have with garden machinery. Don't be shy—this is your chance to shine!
Be Yourself: We love a bit of personality! Let your unique voice come through in your application. Share why you're passionate about gardening and what makes you the perfect fit for this role. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can work independently but also fits into our friendly environment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Mention specific responsibilities from the role that you’ve handled before, like managing water features or maintaining lawns. This shows us that you’ve read the details and are genuinely interested in the position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets to the right people. Plus, it gives you a chance to check out more about us and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Burford Recruitment Company Ltd
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss seasonal care, propagation techniques, and any specific plants you’ve worked with. This shows your expertise and passion for horticulture.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles where you've managed large gardens or estates. Highlight your experience with different landscapes, machinery, and any unique projects you've undertaken. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about how you would approach specific tasks like maintaining water features or managing compost systems. Think through your processes and be prepared to explain your methods clearly and confidently.
✨Demonstrate Your Independence
Since this is a self-employed position, emphasise your ability to work independently. Share examples of how you've successfully managed projects on your own, showcasing your proactive attitude and reliability.