Sole Gardener - EC4902 - This position has now been filled

Sole Gardener required

This is an exciting opportunity for a committed and imaginative person to take over management of a celebrated garden in Devon following the planned departure of the current postholder. Designed by the world renowned Arne Maynard, this private garden has featured in numerous national publications and remains a visitor highlight as part of the National Garden Scheme.   We are looking for someone keen to develop a long term career in horticulture by contributing to the further development of this unique and celebrated property. The ideal candidate for the post will be energetic and genuinely passionate about gardening in all its aspects, having good plant knowledge and horticultural skills but also with some management experience and excellent communication skills.  The successful applicant will have assistance provided on a part-time basis by a dedicated and knowledgeable local gardener, as well as specialist contractors where necessary, with the possibility of a full-time apprentice in the near future.

Now an established garden of approximately five acres set within a larger area of traditionally managed hay meadows, the garden demonstrates how contemporary design can be integrated into a traditional setting.  The ancient house already had the structure of a walled garden attached to the house prior to Arne Maynard’s renovation and re-design in 2008.  The expertise and knowledge of the lead gardener is relied upon to maintain the look and feel that has attracted so much deserving attention through the year. A heavy bespoke oak gate, inspired by wooden spindles from within the house, gives way to a walled garden where there are borders planted with fragrant lavender, violas, geraniums and mature yew topiaries.  Beyond this is a large kitchen garden of 22 raised beds, a knot garden, orchards, sunken greenhouse, cold frames and architectural oak fruit cages.  The kitchen garden is run organically with the no-dig method and produces vegetables for the house throughout the year, with the greenhouse being utilised for tender crops and propagation.  The kitchen garden also contains cut flowers, trained fruit trees, topiary and parterre beds. 

Annually in May, 5000 bulbs including 2500 tulips and hundreds of camassias create a spectacle in the flower meadow and contribute to continued public interest in the garden, year on year.  The formal gardens and main house are set within a further 10-acres of wildflower meadows and paddocks, the latter being grazed by sheep and managed by a local farmer and associated contractors. 

The successful applicant will have overall management responsibility of the garden in all its aspects and will also be expected to conduct up to 12 NGS group visits each year.  The successful applicant must be willing and able to look after various non-horticultural aspects of the estate including a small brood of chickens, basic garden DIY where necessary (repair of fruit cages, fences etc.) and management of the garden budget. Applicants for this position must possess academic training in horticulture, preferably at RHS Level 3 or above, and extensive knowledge of plants and hands-on garden management.  Plant propagation, glasshouse work, kitchen gardening and extensive ornamental plant management will all play a part in the post holder’s day-to-day working life.  Applicants must be physically fit, with the ability to operate and undertake basic maintenance of garden machinery, willingness and ability to provide direction to others, and have the flexibility in approach required to ensure the smooth running of the property. 

SALARY:       Circa £30,000 - £35,000 DOE
LOCATION:  East Devon
JOB No:         EC4902

If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sole 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 Sole Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Nursery Sales Manager - E180 - This position has been filled

Our client is a busy wholesale plant nursery offering a complete hardy plant supply service for garden designers, landscapers and horticulturalists. They grow much of their stock but also buy in finished and bare root stock. The nursery is set over 4 acres operating with environmentally friendly production techniques and processes. They are currently seeking a Nursery Sales Manager who will report to the owner and be an integral part of the team.

Key points
  • New business and customer development
  • Liaising with the team to ensure orders are assembled ready for collection
  • Pricing quotes and assisting with stock control and ordering
  • Assisting the owner and sales team in satisfying plant lists and orders from their client base
  • Liaising with customers to ensure deliveries and plants match expectations
Must haves
  • Good experience within the amenity nursery sector
  • Strong horticultural knowledge and experience of leading and working with a team
  • Have a passion for plants and people
  • Spaying certificates would be useful but not essential

If this Nursery Sales Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Pauline Thomas on 01233 732767 or pauline@horticruitment.com.

To view more Nursery jobs, click Nursery.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Nursery Sales Manager 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 Nursery Sales Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com

 


Sales Executive - H192 - This position has now been filled

Our client is a long established grower and seller of an extensive range of plants and trees across the UK. They operate from a central sales office serving customers and coordinating deliveries from their three sites. They are currently seeking a Sales Executive to join the team taking full responsibility for managing customer key accounts and building new customer relationships. 

Do you have proven sales experience and used to handling customer enquiries? 

Are you able to prioritise and deal with a full-on workload remaining calm under pressure?

Do you have a flexible work ethic to get the job done?

Key points
  • Producing quotes and orders on Growmaster
  • Sourcing and pricing up of bought in stock
  • Regular visits to the nurseries to keep up to date with what is ‘Looking Good’
  • Managing key accounts and reviewing the service received
  • Working to build new customer relationships
  • Report and contribute to monthly team management meetings
Must haves
  • A background in landscaping, garden design or similar
  • Strong organisational skills, able to manage a full-on workload
  • Exceptional customer relationships skills and IT skills
  • Demonstrate a good knowledge of plants and an interest to learn more

If this Sales Executive vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Bolam on 01233 732767 or markbolam@horticruitment.com.

To view more Nursery jobs, click Nursery.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Sales Executive 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 Sales Executive vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Skilled Hard Landscaper - V241 - This position has now been filled

Skilled Hard Landscaper required

Our client is an established company operating from west London.

They specialise in the design and construction of bespoke residential gardens and are one of London’s leading garden construction companies who offer a wide range of services which include landscaping, garden design and construction, maintenance and after care. A lot of their work is through referral and includes unique designs which often incorporate specialist materials and features requiring the highest standard of workmanship. They currently have a vacancy for a skilled hard landscaper to join their team.

Job Description:

The person appointed will be responsible for a variety of hard landscaping tasks where a high standard is essential. Tasks will include:

  • Setting out the works from design drawings and plans.
  • Site preparation including groundworks
  • Brickwork
  • Blockwork
  • Paving
  • Fencing
  • Ensuring work is completed on time, and to a high standard of finish.
Key Skills:

Candidates must have excellent practical skills and 5 years’ experience in all areas of hard landscaping, with a good eye for detail and strong work ethic, able to demonstrate a successful track record of delivering high quality workmanship which is completed on time and within agreed budgets. It is also important that you have good communication skills, combined with a pro-active and flexible approach to your duties.

You must be fully capable of running jobs independently from start to finish.

Experience of operating a mini digger will be an advantage.

A current driving licence is essential.

Additional Information:

This is a full time, permanent PAYE position, with all associated benefits.

If this Skilled Hard Landscaper vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Bolam on 01233 732767 or markbolam@horticruitment.com.

To view more Landscape jobs, click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Skilled Hard Landscaper 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 Hard Landscaper vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com

 

   


Experienced Hard Landscaper - F246

Experienced Hard Landscaper required

Our client runs a successful landscape construction division within their well-established independent family-run business located close to the North Norfolk coast in the town of Fakenham.

They currently have a position for a Hard Landscaping professional with an eye for detail to join a landscaping team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the carrying out of pre-planned landscaping projects and will work closely with the office-based Manager and Designer who will obtain customer briefs and manage projects and budgets, so excellent communication is essential.

Once in the post, the successful candidate will also be responsible for a labourer when on-site.

Job Description:
  • Organising and carrying out individual hard and soft landscaping projects efficiently, to brief and on-time. 
  • Ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction through excellent customer service, good communication and delivering the desired end result, Planning and setting-out of site.  
  • Manual hard labour such as paving areas in natural stone, bricklaying, block paving, fencing, installation of water features and pond construction etc.  
  • Manual soft labour such as planting and laying turf.  
  • Using excavators and diggers.  
  • Effective supervision and management of a labourer; motivate, lead and set by example.  
  • Upholding a high level of Health & Safety on-site, ensuring projects are carried out in a safe manner and that final construction is safe for customer use
  • Working effectively within a small team, upholding excellent communication and using initiative.  
  • Finishing and final touches on landscaping projects in order to uphold customer expectations; using your keen eye for detail to ensure the final result is pleasing and on-brief
Key Skills:
  • Considerable experience in hard landscaping, bricklaying and paving especially.
  • Experience in more traditional crafts like flint walls would be desirable.
  • Experience with soft landscaping i.e. preparing ground for turf laying and planting etc.
  • A professional and approachable nature with leadership qualities. 
  • Full UK driving license with the ability to drive Ford Transit Tipper Vans or similar. 
  • A strong awareness of Health & Safety guidelines.  
  • Any experience using mini excavators and dumpers. 
  • Strong customer-service skills; the ability to forge trusting relationships with customers
  • Physically fit to undertake the manual elements for landscaping.
Additional Information:

This is a Monday-Friday position, offered at 40 hours per week with the opportunity for overtime as required.

This is a superb opportunity for someone with a passion landscaping who likes a challenge as every job is unique and to join a respectable and well-established North Norfolk business.

If this Experienced Hard Landscaper vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Bolam on 01233 732767 or markbolam@horticruitment.com.

To view more Landscape jobs, click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Experienced Hard Landscaper 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 Experienced Hard Landscaper vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com

           


Grounds Maintenance Supervisor - ADV274 - Please respond direct to the advertiser

Grounds Maintenance Supervisor required

RG5 (SCP 22-28) progression criteria SCP 26-28, £26,317 – £31,371 pa

Full-time, 37 hours per week, to include rostered weekend cover • Permanent

Ref: DEN0192

Join us here at Reading Borough Council, and you can look forward to a rewarding new role as part of a friendly and supportive team. We work together, helping each other to make lives better for people in our communities. If you’d like to be part of our growing future, we can offer excellent training and development, not to mention a range of great benefits. So be part of an organisation that will genuinely value you and your contribution to our success. Get in touch now.

Reading Borough Council’s Parks Team is responsible for the grounds maintenance of Reading’s parks and gardens, allotments, cemeteries, highways verges, Council Housing estates and other public land. The Council also has a growing portfolio of commercial clients. We are currently seeking a skilled and experienced supervisor to join the team that oversees commercial contracts as well as grounds maintenance of public areas in Reading.

The job involves managing the day-to-day operations of grounds maintenance staff, securing high quality work, ensuring the health and safety of the team and the public, dealing with customer enquiries, and liaising with suppliers and contractors. The role involves rostered one-in-four weekend working and reactive 24 hour emergency call out.

You will hold an NVQ Level 3 Amenity Horticulture or equivalent qualification. You will be able to demonstrate extensive experience of estate maintenance and a sound knowledge of horticulture. Your experience in managing staff and in dealing with the public will be valuable. Knowledge of health and safety relating to the post is essential.

You will be responsible for the administration associated with the role, and will need to be computer literate.

You should be self-motivated, courteous with customers, a good team worker and willing to work outside in all weather conditions. You should hold a current driving licence.

Benefits include membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and opportunities for overtime. All PPE, equipment and necessary training are provided by the employer. Most work is local to Reading.

For further information, contact Andy Gillespie in the Parks Team on 0118 937 2724.

Internal Reading Borough Council employees must login via Employee Self Service to apply. If you have not yet been issued with your Employee Self Service account, or you have any queries, please email EmployeeSelfService@reading.gov.uk with details.

Visit http://www.reading.gov.uk/jobs for more details on how to apply online. Alternatively, call the Recruitment Team on 0118 937 2039 (24 hour answerphone) quoting the job reference number and the job title of the post you are interested in.

Closing date: Wednesday 12 December 2019

Interview date: Monday 16 December 2019


Landscape Leader - H250 - Middlesex

Our client is an established company who build gardens for designers and discerning homeowners.  They regularly build show gardens at RHS shows. This position is a key role in the company to fulfil these exciting projects and to be part of their growth plan. They are based in Middlesex.

Job Description:

The main duty will be to complete garden works according to the allocated budgets, to required finishes and to achieve customer satisfaction. To manage assistants/contractors, to make best use of time and materials and other resources. Protect and promote the assets of the Company. The work is to make decisions about how and when work is carried out, who will do it and how. This is a working foreman role. You need to know what to do, be able to direct and motivate others while doing your own work and confident to manage the ordering of materials. Tools and vehicle will be provided. You need to be able to make good judgements about the factors that influence the success of the work. (weather, skills, time, customer expectations, professional standards).

Key Skills:

The successful candidate will be able to –

  • Mark out, dig and prepare bases for paving and driveways in compacted type one or concrete. Lay paving, blocks and stone using mortar. Build walls, free standing and retaining. Brick and block/render.
  • Set out and erect fencing, fix trellis, build pergolas, build sheds, fix edging, lay decking.
  • To identify and use tools appropriate to the task, direct other operatives in their duties. Undertake to use PPE at all times when carrying out any hazardous activities. Prepare a risk assessment of any activities which are deemed to be hazardous and present to the Proprietor.
  • Ensure all operatives keep the site clean and tidy, control the use of materials and their storage to ensure the efficiency of the work operations and the safety of anyone in the work area.
  • Be the person responsible for health and safety, first aid and recording accidents.
  • Fill out a time record for each contract. Record any and all materials that were used in any contract as recorded in the contract document. Compile other operatives’ timesheets into the contract record.
  • Fill out a personal timesheet daily with details of operations undertaken, location, materials used and total time.
  • To oversee ordering and delivery of materials, check for damage, unload with due care, check all items correspond with paperwork, identify a suitable safe and secure storage area. Inform the proprietor of any anomaly. Check stocks of materials are sufficient for any given contract and ensure work does not stop from lack of materials.
  • Advise the proprietor if there is a need to vary the contract. If the customer requests to change the scope of the work, to add more work or if he believes there is a need to vary the agreed work.
  • Other actions that will be required: Setting out, operating tools, counting, measuring, digging, cutting, nailing, fixing, laying, building, rendering, erecting, planting, levelling, drainage and any other task that may be required in the renovation, or creation of landscape elements. All finishes shall be to recognised standards and specifications.
Additional Information:
Measurables (KPI)
  • Achieve customer satisfaction.
  • Complete work within time targets and with few defects.
  • All contracted work paid.
  • All extra work invoiced and paid.
  • Staff retention and training.

Measurement of the work will be according to customer surveys, photos, on site review and timesheet targets.  A bonus scheme applies to this role and is paid quarterly according to these criteria.

If this Landscape Leader vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Bolam on 01233 732767 or markbolam@horticruitment.com.

To view more Landscape jobs, click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Landscape Leader 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 Landscape Leader vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Head Gardener - Live In/Out - EC8025

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced and knowledgeable gardener to play a leading role on a beautiful, historic, traditional English country estate near Cirencester.  This position would suit an academically qualified and knowledgeable hands-on gardener with experience at senior and/or Head Gardener level.

The private estate is open to the public at certain times of the year and currently attracts approximately 8000 visitors per year, however the family aims to increase this significantly following completion of a major refurbishment to the house in 2020.  The property is privately owned and has remained in the same family since its construction in the early 20th century, with the fourth generation now enjoying the estate and playing an active and hands-on role in its maintenance and development.  The estate plays host to a small number of events, such as a Rare Plant Fair, an opera, and a crafts event. An extensive snowdrop collection is also a significant draw for visitors each year.

Set within a small rural village and surrounded by agricultural fields and paddocks, the estate comprises an impressive main building of Cotswold stone with formal gardens extending to 8-acres.  The gardens follow a traditional formal English manor house style with generous planting of yew and box topiary, extensive hedging, herbaceous borders, planters, a variety of shrubs, native and exotic tree species, manicured lawns and climbing wisteria.  A walled garden is currently undergoing renovation.

Following the amicable departure of the previous incumbent, the gardens are currently managed by one part-time gardener, one apprentice, two volunteers and regular hands-on contributions from the family themselves.  A requirement therefore exists for a new Head Gardener to take the lead on garden management and development, which will involve working closely with the owners.

The ideal candidate will possess suitable academic and industrial horticultural qualifications as well as extensive hands-on garden management experience on private estates.  Applicants must have good knowledge of seasonal horticultural practices, species-specific pruning techniques and have the ability to supervise part-time gardeners, manage a garden budget, volunteers and contractors with diplomacy and positivity in order to ensure a happy and effective team.  Experience of creating and maintaining topiary, mixed borders, lawn maintenance, kitchen gardening and plant propagation, is essential.  Applicants must be competent with the operation and basic maintenance of a wide range of garden machinery, with spray certificates (PA1/PA6) desirable. 

The Head Gardener role will primarily involve working with the owners to develop the garden as both a private residence and visitor attraction, by way of maintaining excellent standards of presentation throughout the year.  As a key player on the estate, informal conversations with visitors about the garden will be expected, as well as developing towards conducting tours of the garden to groups of visitors.  Applicants should therefore be positive in their approach, confident in character and should find enjoyment and reward in passing on their expertise to visitors and colleagues alike.

A three-bedroom cottage is available, if required, with a salary adjustment made accordingly as outlined by the range below.  The cottage may be used temporarily in order to ensure smooth relocation of the successful candidate, or permanently if preferred. If the successful candidate prefers to live out, the higher end of the salary range will be offered.

SALARY:       £25,000 - £35,000 Live in/out
LOCATION:  Cirencester, Gloucestershire
JOB No:          EC8025

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

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.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Recruitment Specialist

Recruitment Specialist position at Horticruitment (UK) Ltd

Working Hours – 08:30 – 17:00 Monday - Friday

Salary - £30-35k OTE (Depending on experience)

Contract - permanent

Who we are?

Fuller Corporate Group is a place where hard work is acknowledged and rewarded, where development is nurtured and supported, where values are never compromised and where success is celebrated.

The group consists of two specialist recruitment companies, Horticruitment UK Ltd and English Country Gardeners Ltd. We are a responsible and growing modern organisation, with best practice a fundamental part of our 30-year history. Delivering excellent client and candidate management is a top priority along with staff motivation, we have developed staff incentives that financially benefit individuals as well as the group. We have a dedication to our corporate and social responsibility together with investment in our staff. Horticruitment (UK) Ltd is now planning for continued growth, with a firm focus on Business Development within both the horticultural and retail sectors.

30 years of permanent recruitment built by great people!

Your working environment?

Our modern open planned Office is in the rural location of Kenardington, approximately 6 miles South of Ashford, Kent, and a 5 minutes journey from Hamstreet Station which has a 10-minute direct link to Ashford International Station. Facilities include several meeting areas incorporating a conference and training room, an open more relaxed space as well as an outside break area to enjoy when the sun shines and providing plenty of fresh air for all employees.

What makes a brilliant Horticruitment Recruitment Specialist?

• you’ll have experience assisting with the end-to-end recruitment process, working closely with clients and delivering a streamlined and efficient process• you have an understanding of the horticultural and or retail sector (not essential but desired)

• you’ll have the ability to write job descriptions and adverts, and be familiar with the use of social media within the business environment (LinkedIn and Twitter being the main platforms)

• you’ll have the ability to carry out pre-screening, telephone interviewing and arrange face to face interviews• you’ll be a true expert in customer service, who uses this to lead, engage and inspire others.

• you’re always looking for opportunities to drive performance and contribute to amazing results.

• you’ll have experience building and establishing relationships

• you’ll have excellent knowledge in the use of Word, Excel, and Outlook, as well as the ability to use a CRM information system including, accessing, inputting, and compiling data.

• you’ll have excellent verbal and written communication skills, along with excellent IT skills

• you’ll have the ability to work within tight and conflicting timeframes, responding to queries from candidates, external agencies and hiring managers.

• you can handle confidential information and sensitive matters

• your team matters to you, so you support them, working together, building strong working relationships, ultimately being part of a strong unified working environment.

As a horticruitment Recruitment Specialist, you’ll receive

• Support with your career development aspirations to include training programmes when required.

• A competitive salary

• Free Eye Tests

• 20 days holiday + bank holidays

• Discretionary Bonuses

• A contributory pension scheme

• Free car parking

• Free Magazine stand offering titles such as Country Life, RHS The Garden, The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated, HTA, Landscaper, and many more

• Use of office kitchen facilities

• Lunch and evening social events

• Participate in our Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives

• and so much more!

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

www.horticruitment.com


Head Gardener - Live In - EC8035

A hands-on Head Gardener is sought after for a beautiful estate located in Piedimonte Etneo, Sicily. The property is based on the slopes of Mount Etna, 600m above sea level and the site is characterized by 360 degrees breath-taking views of the volcano on one side and the Mediterranean on the other.

The climate is more temperate than one would expect in Sicily given the altitude, which allows for a wide variety of species to be cultivated. The majority of the 20-hectare estate is dedicated to the organic commercial growing of a variety of fruits (lemons, peaches, cherries, plums, avocados), olives for olive oil and a small vineyard.

With 3 residential properties on site (1 currently being built), the head gardener will be responsible for the maintenance and development of the landscaped gardens around the properties as well as the kitchen garden totalling to approximately 3 hectares. He / She will work closely with the owners on the plans for several development projects including planting schemes and the input of an irrigation system. Someone with leadership and the imagination to design and maintain the gardens would suit the role well. He / She will then continue to work unsupervised for the implementation of the projects. Two agricultural farmers are currently working on site and would be available to support the head gardener on the landscaped gardens. The head gardener would be responsible for the staff management and training.

The ability to speak Italian (or at least to be able to communicate in Italian) is essential for the role. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working in private gardens and will hold a level 2/3 horticultural qualification. He / She will have excellent plant knowledge and experience in maintaining and growing organic vegetables. They will also be responsible for the composting of waste on site. The ability to operate and maintain a range of garden machinery and good craft skills are also desirable for the role.

The property is easily accessible from Catania airport (about 40 minutes by car). The airport in Catania is well connected with direct flights to London. A cottage will be provided for the successful applicants together with access to a car. A full driving licence is required.

SALARY: £30-35k depending on experience      
LOCATION: Sicily, Italy
JOB No: EC8035

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 733510 or info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk

To view more Gardening jobs click Gardening or to view Landscape jobs click Landscape.

To apply for a position with horticruitment you will need to complete a candidate registration form, please see Candidate Registration.

If you would like more information regarding horticultural qualifications and colleges, see our Career advice.

You will need to be registered with horticruitment to find out where and how your personal data is used whilst using our work finding services please view our privacy policy.

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 everyone.  Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk