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- Tasks: Lead the care and maintenance of stunning gardens, ensuring high aesthetic standards.
- Company: Join a newly renovated estate focused on organic gardening and biodiversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with a supportive team in a beautiful setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative landscape project that values nature and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Must have level 3 horticultural qualification and three years' experience in a similar role.
- Other info: Flexibility required for occasional family support; no accommodation provided.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Due to a recent change of ownership, the estate has gone through new direction, renovation, and redesign, with new landscape designs led by a very well regarded creative and innovative studio. The gardens comprise of ornamental gardens, an orchard, a productive walled garden and glasshouse, cutting gardens, gravel garden, nuttery, wildflower meadows, pond and wetland, flowering tree and shrub walk; the overall character is naturalistic alongside formal hedging, lawns and topiary providing structure.
The estate is managed according to organic principles and the existing gardeners share the owners’ passion for regenerative methods of managing landscape, promoting biodiversity and exploring and developing methods to garden with sensitivity to nature and the wider landscape, whilst simultaneously ensuring that the ornamental gardens are kept to the highest standard.
As Head Gardener of the estate, your responsibilities will include:
- The care and maintenance of the gardens and grounds
- Regularly performing gardening tasks
- Ensuring high standards of garden aesthetics
- Supporting the development and renovation of the gardens
- Encouraging progression of team members
Using your extensive plant knowledge you will care for a wide range of plant species, particularly those in the estate’s ornamental and cutting gardens. The candidate will be an excellent gardener, with level 3 horticultural qualification and a minimum of three years in a similar level role at a Historic or Private Estate. You are a positive team player with strong communication skills and have excellent and demonstrable plant knowledge for high level border work, pruning, productive gardening and maintenance skills.
A full clean UK driving licence is required and skills in driving other ground vehicles e.g. ride-on mowers, SWB/ LWB vans, manual and automatic operating systems – would be beneficial. You will be able to work as part of a small, close-knit team, but also demonstrate the ability to work independently and self-motivate to complete tasks to a high standard without supervision.
Contract: Full time, hours Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 16:30. Flexibility will be required on occasion to support the private family, as needed.
Location: Near Banbury, North Oxfordshire. Accommodation: No accommodation will be provided as this is a live-out position.
Estate Head Gardener North Oxfordshire employer: Thedirt
Contact Detail:
Thedirt Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estate Head Gardener North Oxfordshire
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the estate's specific gardening style and principles. Research organic gardening methods and regenerative practices to demonstrate your alignment with the estate's values during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local horticultural societies or gardening groups in North Oxfordshire. Engaging with these communities can provide insights into the local gardening scene and may even lead to recommendations for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in similar roles, particularly focusing on your plant knowledge and maintenance skills. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed ornamental gardens or worked with diverse plant species.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your teamwork and communication skills by preparing examples of how you've supported team members in past roles. Highlight any leadership experiences that demonstrate your ability to motivate and guide others in a gardening context.
We think you need these skills to ace Estate Head Gardener North Oxfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Head Gardener position. Highlight your relevant experience in your application.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your horticultural qualifications and practical experience in gardening, particularly in ornamental and productive gardens. Provide specific examples of your work that demonstrate your plant knowledge and maintenance skills.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Include details about your previous roles, especially those in historic or private estates, and any relevant certifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your passion for gardening and your commitment to organic principles. Mention how your values align with the estate's focus on biodiversity and regenerative methods.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thedirt
✨Showcase Your Plant Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your extensive plant knowledge during the interview. Highlight specific plant species you have worked with, particularly those relevant to ornamental and cutting gardens, and demonstrate your understanding of their care and maintenance.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
As a Head Gardener, you'll need to work closely with a small team. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles, and illustrate your strong communication skills that help foster a positive working environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience with Organic Practices
Since the estate is managed according to organic principles, be ready to discuss your experience with regenerative gardening methods. Talk about how you've promoted biodiversity and managed landscapes sensitively in your past roles.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect practical questions related to gardening tasks, maintenance skills, and equipment operation. Brush up on your knowledge of high-level border work, pruning techniques, and any experience you have with ground vehicles, as this will show your readiness for the role.
