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- Tasks: Maintain stunning ornamental gardens and engage with visitors in a beautiful setting.
- Company: Join the dedicated team at West Dean Gardens, a premier visitor attraction.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and discounts on events.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and nurture a garden that inspires all year round.
- Qualifications: Solid horticultural experience and RHS Level 2 qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
West Dean Gardens, part of The Edward James Foundation, is looking for a passionate and skilled Gardener - Ornamental to join our dedicated team. Located in the heart of the stunning South Downs, near Chichester, West Dean Gardens is a premier visitor attraction, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich heritage, and commitment to sustainability.
As a Gardener - Ornamental, you will play a key role in maintaining and presenting the Gardens to the highest standards. With a focus on ornamental planting, your duties will include everything from planting, pruning, and mulching to mowing, hedge cutting, and meadow management. You'll help preserve the beauty and charm of West Dean Gardens, ensuring it remains an inspiring and exceptional place for visitors and students alike. The role offers the opportunity to work closely with the Head Gardener and Deputy Head Gardener in a collaborative, hands‑on environment.
You will be part of a team responsible for maintaining lawns, borders, visitor spaces, and the wider estate, with the opportunity to engage with volunteers, students, and visitors, sharing your knowledge and passion for horticulture.
Key Responsibilities- Carry out general garden maintenance including weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, and edging.
- Maintain high presentation standards across ornamental areas, lawns, and borders.
- Regular mowing, hedge cutting, and meadow management.
- Support the care and development of diverse plant collections.
- Work collaboratively with glasshouse and production teams.
- Assist in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, students, and staff.
- Operate garden machinery and equipment safely.
- Solid horticultural experience, with a focus on ornamental gardening and presentation.
- RHS Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) and experience with garden machinery.
- A proactive, flexible, and team‑oriented attitude.
- Strong attention to detail and a passion for maintaining high standards.
This is a permanent, full-time position (39 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekends on a rota basis). If you’re ready to join a dynamic and inspiring team at one of the UK’s most beautiful gardens, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply now to become part of the West Dean Gardens family and help us continue to nurture a garden that delights and inspires all year round.
Gardener - Ornamental employer: West Sussex.info
Contact Detail:
West Sussex.info Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener - Ornamental
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on West Dean Gardens and its staff. Mentioning specific projects or initiatives can show your genuine interest and help you connect with them.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your previous gardening work or any relevant projects. Visuals can really make an impression and demonstrate your hands-on experience in ornamental gardening.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about sustainability! Since West Dean Gardens is committed to it, think of examples from your past work where you've implemented sustainable practices. This will show you're aligned with their values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener - Ornamental
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your skills in ornamental gardening and how you maintain high presentation standards.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Gardener - Ornamental role. Highlight relevant qualifications like your RHS Level 2 and any hands-on experience with garden machinery to catch our eye!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and skills, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team at West Dean Gardens.
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 details about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Sussex.info
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge, especially about ornamental plants. Be ready to discuss your favourite plants and how you’ve cared for them in the past. This shows your passion and expertise, which is crucial for a role like this.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to talk about specific gardening techniques you’ve mastered, such as pruning or mulching. Bring examples of your work if possible, or be ready to describe projects you've completed that highlight your attention to detail and high standards.
✨Team Player Attitude
Since this role involves working closely with a team, emphasise your collaborative spirit. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked with others, whether it’s engaging with volunteers or coordinating with other gardeners.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the gardens, the team, or sustainability practices at West Dean. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and work style.