Part-time Gardener

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a part-time Gardener to manage a private garden near the market town of Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk.  This position is open only to self-employed applicants able to commit to 3-days per week.  The role will suit a skilled gardener with strong plant knowledge and a willingness to help out on the varied estate where necessary.

The estate includes a 4-acre mature walled garden with lawns, mature herbaceous and mixed borders, four greenhouses for propagation growing fruit, an orchard, a swimming pool and tennis courts.  Development works will be ongoing over the next two years, so a competent gardener with initiative and excellent time management skills is required to ensure the upkeep of the garden and associated aspects. 

Applicants must be self-employed gardeners with demonstrable experience in managing and maintaining the grounds of a large private estate garden. Certificates in spraying (PA1/PA6) and competence in the operation and routine maintenance of general garden machinery would be beneficial, as would experience in the operation of chainsaws, though the latter is not essential as training can be provided.  Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and must be physically fit. 

Daily duties will involve management of the above garden features as well as some non-horticultural aspects on occasion, i.e. helping with animals where necessary, bringing in logs etc.  As such, applicants must be flexible with a positive attitude and should enjoy a varied role.  The ideal candidate will have a positive outlook and friendly character.  He/she will be organised, able to plan and prioritise their workload and have good estate DIY skills.  

SALARY: £20/hr DOE

LOCATION: Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk

JOB No: EC22172

If this Part-time 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 Part-time 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 Part-time Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Skilled Gardener

Skilled Gardener required

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled and experienced gardener on a private estate in Suffolk, near Colchester.  This new role will suit an academically qualified horticulturist with demonstrable garden management experience on private estates and a desire to be part of the ongoing development of a young garden.  A small one-bedroom flat is available for temporary use if the successful candidate is relocating from outside the area.

The estate encompasses 45-acres in total with approximately 4-acres dedicated to the formal gardens, originally designed by Bunny Guinness.  At just five years’ old, the young gardens are still taking form, with the property owner actively developing new areas and in need of assistance from a skilled and knowledgeable professional. 

The modern rural property is surrounded by paddocks and woodland approximately 10-miles from Colchester itself.  The garden contains mixed and herbaceous borders, shrubberies, a water/wet garden of approximately 0.5-acres, a young mixed woodland, greenhouse and poly tunnel, with a lake and pond.   The gardens also include a walled potager with raised beds, combining vegetables and cutting flowers. 

The successful applicant will work with the owner to create and develop new areas as well as to maintain existing areas to a high standard.  Two employees on the estate provide assistance including that of basic gardening, i.e. mowing and hedge cutting where necessary, however the Skilled Gardener will also be required to carry out these duties in addition to the finer horticultural tasks.  Aside from the two maintenance employees, the role may be considered a Sole Gardener position.

Applicants for this role must be physically fit, hands-on and talented horticulturists with experience of garden planning and time management.  Good ornamental plant knowledge is essential, as is an ability to carry out species specific pruning, basic soil treatment/management, pest and disease control and the safe operation and basic maintenance of a full range of garden machinery.  An academic horticultural qualification at RHS level 3 or equivalent/above is desired though is not essential if extensive relevant experience can be demonstrated.  The ability to operate a chainsaw would be beneficial, as would spray certificates (PA1/PA6).  Experience in kitchen gardening and plant propagation/glasshouse work is required, as is a full driving licence due to the rural location of the estate.  The property owner is looking for a knowledgeable and passionate gardener with whom they can discuss and plan the garden for the future, so applicants with a creative eye and a keen interest in design are encouraged to apply.

The welcoming property owner has a genuine love of the garden and horticulture so will be involved alongside the successful applicant, if only at a high level at times.  As areas of the gardens require further work, the Skilled Gardener will work through the options and opportunities with the owner and manage the implementation of the agreed designs/initiatives from a hands-on perspective. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled, qualified and experienced horticulturist to take ownership of a young garden at an exciting stage of development.  Applications are sought from experienced gardeners in search of genuine reward for their talent and a garden in which to achieve their full potential for an engaged and horticulturally passionate owner.

SALARY:  £30,000 - £35,000 DOE
LOCATION:  Colchester, Suffolk
JOB No:  EC18951

If this Skilled 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 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.

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk


Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager

Ref - S546

Our client has a Retail Nursery situated in a naturally attractive setting and has continued to expand, with plants accounting for 80% of sales. The nursery has developed a good customer base and are renowned for providing excellent quality plants.  They are currently seeking an Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager who will work closely with the owners to ensure the highest standards of customer service are achieved.

Do you love working with and understand plants? 

Can you deliver an eye-catching sales area?

Can you ensure a well motivated workforce?

Key points
  • Effectively using the retail space to maximise sales of plants and dry goods
  • Repeat ordering of stock, receiving, selling and recording
  • Staff training and development, rotas and recruitment
  • Ensuring the EPOS data system delivers results, sales records, margins and pricing
  • Liaising with the Production Manager to ensure the nursery production is in line with sales forecast and expectations
Must haves
  • Good horticultural knowledge
  • Attention to detail in all daily tasks
  • The ability to lead and inspire a team of staff
  • A flare for creative presentation and displays

If this Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Ruth Bolam on 01233 732767 or ruth@horticruitment.com.

To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.

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 Assistant Manager/Garden Centre 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 Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager - S546

Our client has a Retail Nursery situated in a naturally attractive setting and has continued to expand, with plants accounting for 80% of sales. The nursery has developed a good customer base and are renowned for providing excellent quality plants.  They are currently seeking an Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager who will work closely with the owners to ensure the highest standards of customer service are achieved.

Do you love working with and understand plants? 

Can you deliver an eye-catching sales area?

Can you ensure a well-motivated workforce?

Key points
  • Effectively using the retail space to maximise sales of plants and dry goods
  • Repeat ordering of stock, receiving, selling and recording
  • Staff training and development, rotas and recruitment
  • Ensuring the EPOS data system delivers results, sales records, margins and pricing
  • Liaising with the Production Manager to ensure the nursery production is in line with sales forecast and expectations
Must haves
  • Good horticultural knowledge
  • Attention to detail in all daily tasks
  • The ability to lead and inspire a team of staff
  • A flare for creative presentation and displays

The appointed person will have good leadership skills to ensure staff operate to the highest standards, an eye for detail and a flare for creative presentation, excellent organisational skills and be a good all-round communicator with both staff and customers.

If this Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Pauline Thomas on 01233 732767 or pauline@horticruitment.com.

To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.

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 Assistant Manager/Garden Centre 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 Assistant Manager/Garden Centre Manager vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Sole Gardener - Live In - EC5947 - this position has now been filled

A very attractive opportunity has arisen for a skilled and experienced Sole Gardener to take own responsibility for a beautiful private garden in Suffolk, on a live-in permanent basis.  The position would suit a physically fit and knowledgeable gardener with demonstrable experience at Head/Senior level.  Applicants must have excellent horticultural knowledge, and preferably, academic horticultural qualifications at Level 3 or above.  The opportunity exists for a housekeeper to take on some part-time work and as such, suitable couples are encouraged to apply.

The 25-acre private home comprises a well-established formal garden of approximately 5-acres, surrounded by 20-acres of fields and paddocks that are utilised and managed by local farmers on short-term lets.  The 5-acre formal garden includes spring and summer herbaceous beds/borders, an espalier tree-lined frontage, a rose garden, kitchen garden, expansive lawns, hedges and a 1.5-acre orchard.  The garden houses a large polytunnel which will require some tidying before its full potential is realised. The large perimeter hedges are cut by a local farmer, though the internal hedges are extensive and managed by the Sole Gardener and property owner over the course of a full week, twice annually. 

Applicants should hold a recognised academic horticultural qualification at Level 3 or above and/or extensive experience at Senior/Head/Sole Gardener level on horticulturally-diverse private estates.  Possession of spray certificates (PA1/PA6) would be beneficial, and a full UK driving licence essential.  The Sole Gardener should be competent with the operation and basic maintenance of garden machinery and will instinctively adhere to excellent health and safety standards at all times.

Suitable candidates must be able to confidently and autonomously manage all aspects of the above whilst maintaining excellent standards of cleanliness, attention to detail and efficiency.  The property owner is a keen gardener and enjoys pruning the roses as well as working on other aspects of the garden when time allows.  For this reason, it is particularly important that applicants are friendly in character, positive in outlook, presentable and sociable, genuinely passionate about their trade and sensitive to the considerations associated with working and living on a private property/home. 

While the owner is realistic about the work load, the applicant must be proactive and able to work unsupervised and to identify areas where efficiency can be improved and to make positive suggestions as to work schedules and maintenance.

The Sole Gardener should be flexible insofar as estate gardening is concerned, i.e. be able to manage/assist with common minor estate duties such as taking care of the owner’s two Spaniels when they are away, and other such duties as they arise. 

This position is offered with a two-bedroom cottage, suitable for a couple or small family (pets are welcome within reason).  The cottage benefits from its own private garden at the front and rear, including access to the 1.5-acre orchard.  The cottage is provided free of charge in addition to the generous salary.  The Sole Gardener will also have use of their own area of kitchen garden, if desired. 

SALARY:        £25,000 - £27,500 + Accommodation
LOCATION:   Suffolk
JOB No:         EC5947

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  


Head Grower - S458 - This position has been filled

Our client established their nursery in 1987 having worked at notable nurseries to gain valuable expertise. Today they pride themselves on specialising in growing a wide range of tender perennials with a glasshouse to produce hardy nursery stock which make any garden a pleasure.

Do you thrive on seeing plants through their life from propagation to the hands of the customer?

Do you have a proven track record in pot or container plant growing?

Would you thrive on working closely with the owner to ensure the production of top quality plants?

Key points:

  • Maintenance and care of all nursery plants
  • Working to increase the range of plants grown
  • Taking full charge and developing the production side of the business
  • Supervising a small team of staff

Must haves:

  • A solid background in nursery production
  • Some form of horticultural qualification and spraying certificates
  • Be well organised with excellent attention to detail
  • Have a passion for horticulture and growing plants

If this Head Grower 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 Head Grower 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 Grower vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com


Plant Centre Assistant - L342

Our client has a specialist plant centre and gardens covering 20 acres and listing over 6000 different plant varieties.  Set in a spectacular Victorian walled garden with displays changing constantly. They are currently seeking a friendly, hardworking and enthusiastic Plant Centre Assistant to work in the plant centre and assisting with all daily duties. 

Are you keen to develop your career in horticulture?

Do you have a passion for plants?

Can you provide a good level of customer sales and service?

Key points:

  • Maintenance of all plant stock
  • Presentation and displays
  • Potting up plants when necessary
  • Accepting deliveries
  • Assisting customer with gardening enquiries

Must haves:

  • A good level of horticulture knowledge
  • The ability to maintain stock in peak condition
  • An eye for detail presentation and display
  • Good customer service skills
  • Some form of horticultural qualification

If this Plant Centre Assistant vacancy is of interest please apply or contact Pauline Thomas on 01233 732767 or pauline@horticruitment.com

To view more garden centre jobs, click Retail.

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 Plant Centre Assistant 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 Plant Centre Assistant vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

www.horticruitment.com 


Grower - Thompson Morgan - ADV202

Grower

Thompson & Morgan is an exciting multi channel retailer which is currently transitioning from being a traditional mail order & retail business with an extensive customer database, to a leading digital provider with an extended product range both in the UK and Worldwide.

We are looking for a high-calibre individual to work at our specialist Breeding, Trials and Wholesale Production Nursery located at our 14 hectare Harkstead (Ipswich) trials site.

The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for exceptional quality and detail as well as a proven background in horticultural practice and growing. The role holder will be responsible for producing high quality plant material for Plant Breeding, Trials, Exhibitions, Wholesale Plant Sales and Seed Production.

The ideal candidate is:

-          Knowledgeable & experienced in current horticultural practice, growing techniques and pest and disease treatments

-          Confident in their ability to consistently grow high quality plants

-          Capable to work under their own initiative

-          Self motivated with the ability to adapt to changing deadlines quickly

-          Extremely well organised and able to communicate clearly either verbally or in writing

-          Able to supervise staff

-          A good team player

-          PA1, PA6, forklift and tractor driving qualified

Does this sound like you? If so, read on…

Your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

-          Growing and maintaining all plant material within your area of responsibility

-          Being responsible for all  aspects of the Harkstead Research & Development trials, including organising, growing and receiving materials ensuring high quality standards are met at all times

-          Managing and developing an integrated pest and disease control program

Interested? Apply today!

If you are interested in this position please apply by sending your CV and a cover letter, stating your salary expectations to Paul Masters, Head of Horticulture via pmasters@thompson-morgan.com

Closing date for applications: 28th February 2018


Skilled Gardener - Live Out - EC3687

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Skilled Gardener to showcase their talents on three gardens associated with a wedding and events venue, a farm estate and an associated private family home near Woodbridge, Suffolk. The position would suit an experienced and qualified gardener with a thorough understanding of pruning techniques, seasonal horticultural practices and a desire to make a significant contribution to the current and future appearance of the gardens.

The wedding venue and events business encompasses five acres in total, with extensive lawns, mixed hedges and borders throughout. The family home consists of 2.5 acres including trees, shrubs, herbaceous borders, flower beds and a pond, with formal and informal areas.  A smaller third garden on a separate site covers 1.5 acres and comprises of similar horticultural interests to the above.  The input of the successful applicant will be required on all three sites, with assistance provided from an existing full-time Groundsman, primarily with regard to lawn mowing, hedge cutting and general garden maintenance. Further help can be arranged as required and as such, applicants must be good communicators with an ability to provide direction as required.

Applicants should be experienced Gardeners, ideally with experience on private estates. You must be capable of working autonomously and of directing others when you require assistance in certain aspects of your work. You should hold a recognised academic horticultural qualification, spray certificates (PA1/PA6), and have extensive experience with garden machinery including hedge cutters, strimmers and ride-on mowers.  You must be accomplished in correct pruning techniques for a variety of shrubs and small trees, and should have good general seasonal garden management knowledge.  Good physical fitness is required, as is an ability to plan your work schedule on a weekly and seasonal basis.  Experience of driving Quad bikes would be an advantage but is not essential as training can be provided.

The ideal candidate will be presentable, friendly, and have good attention to detail. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled and experienced gardener to make their mark on an impressive garden on a long-term basis.

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

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

SALARY: £25,000 Negotiable  (Live out)

 LOCATION: Nr. Woodbridge, Suffolk

JOB No:  EC3687

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

www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk