Market Gardener

A rare and fantastic opportunity has arisen for a gardener with a passion for or a keen interest in kitchen gardening to join a small and knowledgeable team developing and expanding a large market garden on a sizeable estate in Maidstone, Kent.

Two years ago, two highly experienced market gardeners joined to revive, develop, and build the 10 acres market garden. A full landscape program was planned and set in motion and has been extremely promising thus far expanding the market garden to 15 acres. With huge potential and so much more work to be carried out, the market garden continues to be developed and grow. The garden comprises of apple, pear, plum, cherry orchards and ground crops chosen for flavour not yield. A dozen varieties of strawberries and raspberries are grown mainly of rare heritage varieties. The glasshouses are currently in planning phase to be reinstated and a temporary packhouse is currently in the process of being designed and built. Two polytunnels are currently operational and a multi fan polytunnel will be set up later this year.

The mission is to grow the finest varieties of the finest fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These may be traditional or non-traditional. The estate is associated with an artisanal food business so that although this is not a commercial enterprise the produce would be supplied to the business and there is huge opportunity to supply produce as this is the only estate in Kent providing the selection grown. The garden is maintained organically, and all produce are grown sustainably.

If you are a gardener with a love for growing fruit, vegetables, and herbs, this is an incredible opportunity to join a fantastic project at a very exciting time. The gardener will be guided by the experienced market gardeners and will be involved in succession planting, cultivation of vegetables, fruit, herbs, edible flowers, and micro herbs. The team will continue to develop the market garden of scale, productivity, diversity, and beauty using the most effective sustainable methods.

Applicants for this role will have a sustainable mindset and the enthusiasm, drive and a keen interest in becoming market gardeners. Some horticultural knowledge or experience working in a kitchen garden, or on an allotment is required. Good communication skills are important to work well with the team throughout the development of the garden and to supply the required fruit and vegetables. The successful candidate will be organised, have good attention to detail and enjoy working to a high standard.

Accommodation could be provided for the successful applicant if required, and salary would be adjusted accordingly. The work will include flexible working hours as additional working days may be required at times of times of high season. 

SALARY:  £23,000 - £32,000 DoE (and if accommodation is required)
LOCATION Maidstone 
JOB No:  EC38926

If this Market 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 Market 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 Market Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Experienced Gardener

An incredible opportunity has become available for an experienced gardener to join an exceptionally beautiful property situated near Sevenoaks in Kent, to replace the current experienced gardener who is retiring in 2022 after working on the estate for 35 years. This opportunity would suit a talented, enthusiastic and knowledgeable gardener looking to take that next step up in their career to work on a long-term basis in an exciting garden. 

This hilltop garden is south facing with magnificent far-reaching views out towards Sussex. The 12 acres grounds include a 4-acre formal garden and numerous specimen trees, large shrub beds, a woodland/shrub garden, some formal gardens and lawns, field and meadow areas and a substantial area of woodland. Recently added to the grounds is a formal kitchen garden with a large glasshouse. It is the intention that the vegetable and herb garden, will also incorporate an orchard and productive fruit cage with produce from this area providing supplies for the family and guests. 

The owners have invested in developing the garden over the past two years. They are now in the next phase; enhancing and raising the standards of the garden and are looking for a hands-on experienced gardener to work with and manage a part time team of 4 - tree surgeon, 2 horticulturalists and a groundperson. Responsibilities of the successful applicant will include maintaining the lawns such as mowing and strimming, specialist pruning and border maintenance, tending to the vegetable garden and fruit cage and greenhouse / propagation work.  Other duties will include tasks associated with looking after and overseeing the grounds of a country house.

The ideal candidate will possess a recognised horticultural qualification with a proven track record of high-quality horticulture work and good people-management and communication skills. Competence with machinery, equipment uses and maintenance including, pedestrian mowers, strimmers and chainsaws, with accreditation as required for Health and Safety compliance. Experience of tractor and trailer work and off PTO mounted machinery would also be beneficial.  Due to the rural location of the estate, a driving licence and own vehicle is essential.

Candidates will need to be self-motivated and should also have a good level of fitness to be able to contend with the daily tasks.

SALARY:        Circa £40,000 depending on experience
LOCATION: Near Sevenoaks
JOB No:          EC36954

If this Experienced 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 Experienced 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 Experienced Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Garden Maintenance Manager

Garden Maintenance Manager required

Job Ref C876

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Garden Maintenance Manager to join an established company located near Canterbury in Kent.  The company has been in business for over 30 years - a testament to their continued provision of quality service in the gardening and landscape industry.  The primary desire is to increase the presence of the company and as such, this role presents a genuine opportunity to become more involved with the business following exemplary performance and longevity in the role.  The company offer a generous incentive scheme in addition to the stated salary.

The company now requires a Garden Maintenance Manager to work alongside and supervise a small team of existing gardeners on a full-time basis. 

Job Description:

The successful candidate will manage the small team in terms of scheduling and supervision across approximately 20 sites between London and Kent. 

-Typical daily duties will include hedge cutting, lawn maintenance, pruning, planting, bed/border maintenance, as well as a range of other gardening tasks as they arise.

-The role will involve tending to numerous commercial and residential properties on a scheduled, rotational and hands-on basis.

-The post holder will be required to drive to London from the Canterbury area on 1-2 days per week to tend to gardens alongside the team in the summer months (fewer days in winter), which will involve leaving the depot at approximately 05:00 and returning for an early finish around 15:30.

-The role will be client-facing, so applicants must be well presented and sociable with a commercial awareness.

-Typical hours are between 06:00 – 15:00/16:00, Monday to Friday. The business closes down between Christmas and New Year.

Key Skills:

-The ideal candidate will hold a recognised horticultural qualification and/or considerable gardening experience in a similar role.

-A driving license is essential for this role as the successful applicant will drive a company vehicle on a daily basis.

-Previous experience in the supervision of other gardeners is desired, as is strong horticultural knowledge.

-Applicants for this role must have good plant identification skills and garden management experience, ideally on horticulturally diverse estates.

-Applicants will need to be competent with a range of garden machinery (and basic maintenance thereof).

-Competence with back-pack sprayers and a spray ticket (PA1/PA6) is required.

Candidates must be diplomatic and have a positive in approach to the management of gardeners in training, be flexible in their approach to work, physically fit and have a ‘can-do’ attitude.  Uniforms are provided.  A full UK driving license is essential for this role. 

If this Garden Maintenance Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 732767 or sophie@horticruitment.com.

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 Garden Maintenance 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 Garden Maintenance Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Head Gardener

A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced hands-on Head Gardener to take responsibility for two crematoriums and four members of staff in North Kent.  This role would suit a hands-on gardener with experience, good horticultural knowledge and has previously led a small team.

The two sites are about 20 miles apart and are created to provide a living memorial of great beauty that is personal to each visitor. Throughout the calendar year there is a succession of colour, beginning in early Spring with daffodils and tulips, all of which are synonymous with their crematoria. These are complemented by wild meadow flowers, flowering shrubs and blossom trees. Following on there is a stunning array of roses of many colours through Summer and into the glorious colours of Autumn. All these seasonal variations are set within extensive lawns.

The gardens are still maturing, and the Head Gardener will continue to flourish the garden’s natural beauty, enhance and drive the ongoing development. The Head Gardener will be responsible for the daily management of the two sites, their time split between both, including designing and creating areas in the gardens as well as planning the schedule of work for the year. Consideration to seasonal garden management requirements must be given at all times, with initiative applied with respect to the development and enhancement of the grounds.

Applicants for this role should have good horticultural knowledge and experience managing a small team of garden staff in a commercial or private setting.  The ideal applicant will ideally hold a relevant health and safety certificate, certificates in safe and competent use of a wide range of gardening machinery and have good physical fitness.  Applicants should have a full UK driving licence, extensive experience with gardening equipment operation and maintenance, and an instinctive ability to work to excellent standards of health and safety at all times.  An ability to be diplomatic and motivational is necessary when dealing with team members, members of the public, and other departments associated with the company.  Applicants must have a keen desire to pass on their knowledge to the garden staff at every opportunity to ensure continued development, upskilling and efficiency of the team.

SALARY:  up to £35,000 DOE
LOCATION:  North Kent
JOB No:  EC34851

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 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


Groundsperson / Caretaker

Groundsperson / Caretaker required

Job Ref ADV358

 

Job Role:

An opportunity has arisen at the historic Metropole, Folkestone for a Goundsperson/Caretaker.

We are looking for someone with a great work ethic. You must be physically fit and able to work independently whilst still being a team player.

The role requires a willingness to work outside in all weathers, taking care of the day to day management of the building and grounds. You will have excellent communication and managerial skills with the ability to prioritise workload. Computer literacy is essential.

 

Duties include (but are not limited to)

 

-General maintenance of gardens and outside areas:-

-Grass cutting, hedge trimming, car park sweeping, litter picking, use of and basic maintenance of garden machinery.

-Undertaking general Caretaker duties:

-Replacing light bulbs in communal areas.

-Testing of emergency lights and fire alarm system (training given).

-Managing planned maintenance and supervision of outside contractors employed by Metropole (Folkestone) Ltd.

-Willingness to attend any training courses required.

 

Whilst having experience is preferable, this position will also be suitable for an enthusiastic person wishing to develop their skills and expand the role further.

 

A full driving licence is essential for this role.

 

Please apply with CV and covering letter to: themetropole@live.co.uk

 


Head Gardener

Applications are invited for the position of Head Gardener for the gardens and extensive park of a large country mansion and major Kent visitor attraction.

The park and gardens have a wide variety of areas including formal areas consisting of lawns, mixed shrub planting, herbaceous borders, woodland areas as well as a kitchen garden and glasshouses. This is a key position within the management structure, and the person appointed will be responsible for ensuring that all areas are maintained to the highest horticultural standards, in order to preserve its unique character for the benefit of the owners and visitors.

Key responsibilities will include:

-Maintenance and upkeep of all areas of the formal gardens and park.

-Work closely with the owners to develop and deliver new projects that will enhance the historical beauty and function of the garden.

-Plan and prepare short and long-term maintenance programmes and planting schedules.

-Management of the horticultural team, identifying training and development requirements, preparing detailed work schedules.

-Recruit additional skilled staff, develop junior staff and manage volunteers.

-Plan and manage the department budget.

-Ensure health and safety measures are maintained and followed by your team.

-Oversee and supervise as required the work of outside contractors within the garden area.

We seek candidates who have at least 3 years experience at senior or head gardener level, within a private estate and/or horticulturally diverse public garden, and are keen to take on a large and varied project in order to use their horticultural skills to the full. You should ideally hold a suitable horticultural qualification, as well as experience of garden budget management, Excellent communication skills are also important in order to ensure your team is highly motivated and able to produce work to a high standard.

Chemical sprayers certificates would be desirable, a current driving licence is essential.

The option of accommodation is available to be discussed.

SALARY:       £30,000 to £40,000 (depending on experience)

LOCATION:   Kent

JOB No:          EC33740

If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Ruth Bolam 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.horticruitment.com


Gardener

Gardener required

Job Ref H845

A great opportunity has arisen for a Gardener / Soft Landscaper to work for an established company located near Tonbridge, Kent.  The company is a garden design, build and maintenance company set up in 1998 to provide a professional garden maintenance service using horticultural ‘best practice’.  The company offer a service from conception through to construction together with the all-important aftercare.

There are several positions available, and the client is open to junior candidates looking to develop their skills and experience (minimum two years’ experience required) to skilled gardener level holding the necessary tickets and qualifications. The gardener will join the maintenance team working primarily in country gardens in the Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Cranbrook area.

Candidates will have good horticultural knowledge and plant identification skills. You will need to be experienced with a range of garden machinery and equipment as you will be expected to undertake duties including hedge cutting, lawn maintenance, pruning, planting, bed/border maintenance, and be willing to carry out a range of other gardening tasks as they arise.  A spray ticket (PA1/PA6) is preferred and you will ideally be familiar with basic garden machinery maintenance.

As you will be expected to interact with property owners on site, you must be conscientious and well presented.  You should be diplomatic and positive in your approach to people management, flexible in your approach to work, be physically fit and have a ‘can-do’ attitude. You must be reliable and punctual and able to work on your own or in a small team.

The working hours are 7.30 am – 4.30 pm with a half an hour lunch break. A full UK driving license is essential, as is your own car for travel to and from the yard. A van is provided for work purposes and the teamwork in pairs.  A competitive salary is provided depending on experience.

If this Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 732767 or sara@horticruitment.com.

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 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 Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Gardener

Our client is a school with a global reputation and inspiring facilities based in Sevenoaks, Kent. The Estates department is looking for a qualified, self-motivated and efficient Gardener to join their friendly and hardworking team. This is a full time, permanent and varied role which will involve assisting with the maintenance and development of the gardens and grounds on all school sites.

The 100-acre grounds contain historic buildings, fields and ten beautiful gardens, looked after to a high horticultural standard by a dedicated Grounds and Gardens team. They plant new trees every year and maintain a range of stunning shrubs, lawns, herbaceous borders, flower beds and ponds. The trees, plants and green spaces at the school contribute to biodiversity and enrich the lives of all students and staff. Some of the wonderful flower beds were designed by a well-known landscape and garden designer – a winner of four Gold and five Silver Gilt medals at Chelsea.  

The Gardener will report to the Head of Grounds & Gardens and will be responsible for preparing grounds for the planting of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants as well as maintain borders, ponds, hedges, fences, walls, paths, roadways and woodlands. He / She will carry out horticultural operations, such as planting, pruning and maintenance of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Lawn maintenance is part of the role with the use of pedestrian and ride-on equipment to scarify, aerate, top-dress, over-seed, lift and lay turf, feed, irrigate and cut.

Additional duties include cleaning the drives and pathways of debris, litter picking, clearing snow and applying grit salt will be part of the role and periodically assist with non-gardener tasks within the school.

The successful applicant will ideally hold a level 2 horticultural qualification or above and have experience maintaining large or historic gardens. He / She work on own and as part of a team as well as use their own initiative and will be self-motivated, adaptable and be willing to undertake tasks to given time constraints. Experience maintaining and cleaning horticultural equipment including handtools, strimmers, hedge-cutters, pedestrian and ride-on mowers, scarifiers, aerators, tractors and any other machinery required to undertake allocated tasks is important to continue working in a tidy and safe manner. The gardener will be comfortable working outside in all weathers and the role may require heavy lifting occasionally.

A competitive salary is provided as well as additional benefits such as free lunch during term-time, free membership of the school’s fitness centre, 33 days paid holiday per calendar year including public holidays, pension scheme, cycle to work scheme and a voluntary benefits scheme. The basic hours are 40 hours per week made up of 08:00 - 16:30 Monday to Friday. Working up to 12 Saturday mornings per year, 8:00 am till 1:00 pm.

As the position is working at a school, all staff have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children with whom they come into contact and are required to adhere to and ensure compliance with the school’s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times. The successful applicant will be offered the role subject to the satisfactory completion of a number of background checks including but not limited to; an enhanced DBS check, the taking up and verification of references, the verification of career history and fitness to undertake the role. We also reserve the right to contact any previous employers for a reference.

SALARY:        Up to £24,000 depending on experience

LOCATION: Sevenoaks, Kent

JOB No:          EC30434

If this Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe 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 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 Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Plantarea Supervisor

Plantarea Supervisor required

Job Ref ADV337

Located 7 miles outside the bustling town of Ashford, adjacent to the Royal Military Canal with access to scenic, rural walks across the Romney Marsh you'll find Hamstreet Garden Centre. Previously a Wyevale Centre, we have made vast improvements to the neglected site since we added it to the Grovewell family in 2018. With many more planned developments still to come!

Our plants need you!

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Plant Area Supervisor to help our team at Hamstreet Garden Centre near Ashford, Kent.  Grovewell Garden Centres are renowned for excellent, expert customer care and high quality, well maintained plants. As a member of our team we expect you to be as passionate about gardening as we are.

The successful candidate must have

-Meticulous attention to detail

-Excellent house keeping and stock control management

-A passion for customer service and the ability to thrive in a fastpaced environment

-Excellent communication skills- Enthusiasm for horticulture, flexible, highly motivated and commercially aware

This is a full time position and will include weekend and Bank Holiday working. Please note this is a manual role.

We offer:

- Competitive rates of pay

- 20% staff discount on most purchases

- 28 days holiday for full time staff (includes Bank Holidays)

- Auto-enrolment Pension Scheme- Training & Development

Send your C.V. and covering letter to sam@tenterdengc.co.uk (Head Office) with the job role and Centre you are applying to.

Please note you will be required to provide proof that you have the right to work in the UK on application

www.grovewellgc.co.uk/listing/hamstreet-garden-centre/

 


Groundsperson

Groundsperson required

Job Ref A069

Our client is a Parish Council located close to Maidstone in Kent.  The successful candidate will join their maintenance team carrying work within the Parish. The team are responsible for maintaining amenity and sports areas within the parish as well as acting as agents for the County Council in the maintenance of Public Rights of Way as well as general work to the local church yard etc.

The Role

They currently have a vacancy for a Groundsperson. The successful candidate, under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor, will ensure the maintenance and cleanliness of all parish council grounds and property.

Duties will include

-Maintenance and general upkeep of Village Green.

-Upkeep of both Recreation Grounds.

-Maintenance of all trees, shrubs and plants on Parish Council property.

-Clearing the Ford when necessary.

-Digging and planting borders as necessary on Parish Council property, including War Memorial

-Taking instruction in the use of equipment as required.

-Maintenance & Marking of Football Pitches

-Maintenance of Football equipment in good repair.

-Maintenance of Churchyard.

-General care of Allotments.

-Maintenance of Cricket Square and Cricket Pitch outfield if required.

-Routine maintenance & servicing of machinery and safe storage in winter months.

-Maintenance of property owned by Parish Council (eg garages, sheds, seats etc.).

-Daily inspection of play equipment and surfaces.

-Regular painting of play equipment and seats.

-Regular sweeping, clearing and weeding of play areas and safety surfaces

-Snow clearing and keeping selected sites clear of ice during inclement weather.

The Candidate:

Candidates should have good basic levels of skills in grounds maintenance and come from a grounds maintenance/gardener background. It would also be an advantage if you held either a sprayers certificate, chain saw certificate or were certified to drive a gang mower. However, the Parish Council is able to offer additional training if required.

A full driving licence is required for this role.

Hours of work will be 7.30am-4.00pm Monday to Thursday and 7.30am-3.30pm Friday.

If this Groundsperson vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Danielle Moss on 01233 732767 or info@horticruitment.com

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 Groundsperson 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 Groundsperson vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com