Head Gardener
From English Country Gardeners
Working For: English Country Gardeners
A rare opportunity has arisen for a talented horticulturist to join a stunning private estate based near Rye, East Sussex on a full-time permanent basis. This position will suit an experienced Senior Gardener looking to take the next step in their career, or an existing Head Gardener with a desire to take on the maintenance of a typical English Country style garden in order to utilise their full horticultural skill set.
Surrounded by lush greenery, rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, the estate covers roughly 1000-acres including farmland, woodland as well as the formal gardens. The estate has been in the owner’s portfolio of properties for many decades, with the 4-acre gardens surrounding the main property featuring expansive formal lawns, herbaceous borders, seasonal bedding plants, small orchard and a vegetable garden which grows a variety of soft fruit and vegetables for the house. Also within the estate is extensive woodland featuring tranquil woodland walks as well as large, semi-commercial glasshouses which propagates a wide variety of cutting flowers for the main house as well as other produce including cacti and vegetables. In addition to the main house, the estate also features multiple other properties of which the gardens and surrounding grounds will need to be maintained.
Suitable applicants will ideally possess a recognised horticultural qualification as well as extensive experience in horticulturally diverse gardens in a private estate setting. Competence in all horticultural techniques is essential, focusing on vegetable, fruit and flower production and seasonal plant cultivation. Candidates will be expected to manage all aspects of grounds maintenance, including lawns, pathways and irrigation systems. The gardens are 100% organic therefore the implementation of innovative solutions for sustainable landscape practices are expected. This is a hands-on role so good physical fitness and a willingness to work outdoors in all weathers is essential.
The estate also features beehives and a hop garden and so experience of these would be useful but not essential. Practical experience with the use and care of a full range of garden machinery is desired, with a chainsaw certification being advantageous. Applicants should be equally passionate, energetic and experienced hands-on professionals with an ability to manage a small team who have been with the property for many years. Being a private, family run estate, discretion is required at all times. This exciting vacancy would be great for someone looking to work in a beautiful part of the country and join the community making this opportunity a way of life.
Working hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm, with holiday entitlement being statutory 20 days plus Bank Holidays. An offer to the successful candidate will be based on excellent reference checks as well as a DBS check.
LOCATION: Rye, East Sussex
SALARY: Up to £40,000 depending on experience
JOB No: EC62043
If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Head 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 Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.