Gardener in Bath

An amazing opportunity has become available for an experienced Gardener to join a large private Estate in the Bath and North Somerset area. The successful candidate will work with the Gardens team to achieve the highest standards of horticulture to help ensure that the gardens are beautifully presented and maintained. This is the perfect role for a real outdoors person who, come rain or shine, wants to roll up their sleeves to work in the gardens. It is a great environment and a real team effort to maintain the gardens to a high standard.

The successful candidate will be required to have a good general knowledge of practical horticulture and be prepared to be hands on, with tasks including:

• Growing of fruit, vegetables, flowers, beds and borders
• Training of plants
• Using a range of garden machinery including ride-on and pedestrian mowers, strimmers and hedge cutters

Key Responsibilities:

• Garden maintenance, as directed by the Head Gardener
• Grass care and maintenance / lawn mowing
• Propagation, growing and maintenance of greenhouse and container plants
• Planting and maintenance of seasonal flower displays
• Weeding, leaf clearance, hedge maintenance and topiary
• Planters, pots and bedding plant care
• Planting out, watering plants (including weekend watering, on a rota system)
• Plant feeding, and pruning, including roses, climbers and fruit trees
• Training and staking of plants
• Planting, including herbaceous planting and dividing
• Spraying – pest, disease and weed control
• Vegetable/herb/soft fruit growing and pruning
• Picking and harvesting
• Care of house plants and orangery plants
• Helping others with their areas where needed
• Involvement in garden projects, as directed by the Head Gardener
• Uphold and maintain Estate Values
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships across the Estate
• Comply with all relevant Estate Health and Safety and Environment (HSE) practices and procedures
• Work with the Health & Safety Manager/Health & Safety Consultants as required
• Ensure accidents, near misses and observations are recorded/reported for investigation
• Proactively promote and maintain high standards across the Estate
• Abide by all Estate’s policies and procedures
• Committed to continuous development of own skills and knowledge
• Any other ad hoc duties

Person Specification / Core Competencies:

• Skilled gardener/horticulturalist with wide range of experience in high-quality settings
• Relevant qualifications desirable (e.g. RHS level 2 certificates, diploma or equivalent e.g. NVQ)
• Good plant knowledge with Garden and planting design experience/training desirable
• Keen eye for detail; appreciation and understanding of colour, form and aesthetics in the garden is essential
• Experience in temporary floral displays, floristry and container growing is desirable
• Spraying certificate desirable PA1 & PA6 (training will be provided where necessary)
• Some knowledge of biological control and organic pest control is desirable
• Able to work in a tidy, safe manner and maintain tools and equipment
• Confident communication skills, with the ability to interact with different individuals
• Able to demonstrate a professional manner with excellent organisational skills
• Computer literate
• Proactive and flexible approach to work
• Willing to take responsibility and ownership for tasks and garden areas
• Strong sense of discretion, appreciating the confidentiality of the work
• Ability to work autonomously, whilst possessing strong teamwork skills
• Keen to suggest improvements to ways of working and a willingness to embrace new working practices
• Valid UK driving license
• Must be willing to undergo Enhanced DBS check
• Eligibility to work in the UK
• Brilliant checkable references

Benefits:

• 27 days annual leave + public holidays
• Pension Plan
• Free onsite parking