Skilled Gardener

An excellent opportunity for a Skilled Gardener has arisen on an historic private estate in Cambridgeshire.  This role would suit an academically qualified and experienced gardener with a demonstrable background on private estates.  A generous salary is offered in addition to a cottage on site, if required.

At almost 500 years old, the Grade 2 Parkland estate exudes character and plays host to several archaeological features throughout its several hundred acres of land.  A one-acre walled garden is divided into six compartments and includes a parterre, a rose garden and ornamental planting.  The expansive grounds include lawns and a Ha-ha, a lake, mixed and herbaceous beds and borders, hedging, a sculpture garden, glasshouse (hot and cold), terraces and a ½ acre kitchen garden.  Native and specimen trees provide structure and depth to the property, as well as some privacy. 

The welcoming property owners help in the garden in certain areas and are knowledgeable gardeners themselves.  The estate currently benefits from a team of two part-time contract gardeners, with assistance in general maintenance also being on hand.  The need for a full-time Skilled Gardener has arisen, with the candidate to be employed on a full-time permanent basis and to play a key role in the ongoing development and enhancement of the gardens.

The ideal candidate will have at least 5-years’ experience on private estate gardens and with an academic horticultural qualification at RHS Level 2 or above/similar being advantageous.  Strong plant knowledge and species-specific pruning skills are essential, as is good physical fitness and a willingness to help on the estate wherever necessary. This is a horticulturally focussed role, with enthusiasm and dedication required alongside a positive attitude and a desire to work with the owners and employees in maintaining a positive, happy environment.  Experience in kitchen gardening, rose pruning, bed/border management and the safe operation of a range of garden machinery is required.  Applicants must be happy to carry out the physically demanding aspects of the role, such as hedge cutting, as well as the finer aspects such as plant propagation and glasshouse work.

Accommodation on site is offered by way of a cottage 3-bedroom cottage. All applicants must hold a full driving licence and their own transport as the property is located rurally with no public transport available in the vicinity.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled and qualified gardener to join a stunning private estate and to work with and for genuinely welcoming owners with a genuine passion for their garden.

SALARY:        Circa £29,000 + Accommodation

LOCATION: Cambridgeshire

JOB No:          EC61972

If this Skilled Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Tom Little.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Skilled Gardener vacancy.  Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Skilled Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.