Grower
Grower required
Ref: C429
Our client is an established Wholesale Nursery built up over the past 40 years. They would like to think that their traditions and standards that the company was built on still apply today. They started out with 50 acres of owned land which has now increased to over 400 acres today, which includes cold storage facilities, pack house and a hectare of plants grown under protection which include a range of bare root and container grown trees and shrubs from seed including balled trees.
They are currently seeking an experienced grower to join the team where you will play a vital role in the production of a wide range of plants.
Job Description:
Duties and responsibilities would include the following:
- Field growing
- Supervising the lifting and grading of plants
- Supporting the dispatch team
- Aiding seed sowing and transplanting
- Leading and supervising a team of staff
- Pest and Disease control
- Ensuring the production areas runs smoothly and efficiently
Key Skills:
The position requires good plant and production knowledge along with tractor driving skills. The ability to manage and supervise a varied workforce especially agency staff is essential. A ‘can do’ attitude is also considered essential. PA2 and PA6 spraying certificates along with a forklift certificate would be advantageous although training will be provided.
If this Grower vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin on 01233 732767 or sara@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 Grower 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 Grower vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Gardener/Handyman
Gardener/Handyman required
Ref No EC14371
An experienced and multi-skilled estate gardener/handyman is required to maintain a beautiful private garden in Marden, Kent, on behalf of a welcoming and appreciative owner. Applications are sought from qualified professionals with experience of managing private gardens autonomously, with the willingness and ability to undertake general estate maintenance duties as required.
The retirement of a long-serving gardener has created an opportunity for a new employee to join the estate on a full-time permanent basis. The property comprises a main dwelling with various additional buildings including an adjacent flat, in which the successful applicant may live, rent free, with all bills and utilities covered by the employer.
Set within surrounding paddocks and farmland, the two-acre private garden comprises a kitchen garden with glasshouse and polytunnel, mixed beds and borders, flower beds, expansive lawns, mixed shrubs and an old rose Arbor. Well maintained hedges create separate areas within the garden, with predominantly native mature trees (sycamore, scots pine, holly and horse chestnut) providing structure and privacy. The property is not open to the public and while not considered a ‘show garden’ in the true sense by the owner, it can be accurately described as a traditional and charming English country garden.
The ideal candidate for this role will be academically qualified to Level 2 (or above) with demonstrable experience of managing private estate gardens as a Sole or Skilled Gardener. Applicants with extensive hands-on garden management experience but no academic qualifications will also be considered. Physical fitness and time management are important, as are traditional handyman skills and an ability to provide general security on the property.
Competence in the operation and basic maintenance of a range of garden machinery is essential, as is good plant knowledge and that of seasonal garden management. Applicants should have experience with plant propagation, kitchen gardening, correct species-specific pruning techniques (roses, formative pruning of young trees etc.), basic identification and treatment of plant pests and diseases, lawn care, as well as an ability to carry out additional non-horticultural estate duties as they arise. Spray certificates (PA1/6) and a chainsaw license (CS30-31) are required. Candidates must hold a full driving licence and be competent drivers as a collection of classic cars is housed on site and will require periodic and careful management. Occasional moving and cleaning of the cars will be required as part of the handyman aspect of the role, as will some basic duties within the main house such as changing light bulbs etc. Applicants with experience in the above areas as well as good DIY skills are encouraged to apply. A flexible, positive and helpful attitude is necessary as is a conscientious, pro-active, hardworking and reliable approach.
Working hours will comprise 45-hours per week; Monday – Friday (07:30 – 17:00) with half an hour for lunch. No scheduled weekend working is required, though the live-in Sole Gardener will be responsible for the health and condition of the garden and glasshouse etc., such that weekend watering may be required during periods of hot weather. Holiday entitlement includes 20-days per annum plus 8-days Bank Holiday. A full UK driving licence and your own transport is required for this role for the above reason and as the property is located rurally.
A two-bedroom flat is provided for the Sole Gardener, adjacent to the main house. Due to the nature of the property and size of the accommodation, it is deemed unsuitable for children or pets, but would suit a single person or couple. The rent, bills and Council tax are all covered by the employer.
SALARY: £26,000 + 2-bedroom flat
LOCATION: Marden, Kent
JOB No: EC14371
If this Gardener/Handyman 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 Gardener/Handyman 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/Handyman vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Technical Research Assistant
Technical Research Assistant
Ref ADV281
Based at East Malling in Kent, NIAB EMR is an internationally renowned plant science organisation conducting research on horticultural crops and their interactions with the environment, with particular emphasis on perennial and clonally propagated fruit crops. NIAB EMR is part of The NIAB Group, the UK’s fastest growing crop science organisation, with rapidly expanding research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, the largest national field trials capability, and strong research links with industry, Government and academia. Employing more than 400 people across the UK, NIAB provides scientific research, technical services and practical advice to improve the yield, efficiency and resilience of crop production across the arable, forage and horticulture sectors.
The successful candidate will provide technical support to the Crop Science & Production Systems Department and the Genetics, Genomics and Breeding Department.
Technical support is needed for running precision irrigation and fertigation regimes in state-of-art polytunnel growing facilities for field experiments and trials at NIAB EMR.
Duties will include the installation, maintenance of sensors, dataloggers and telemetry units, and the maintenance of commercial fertigation rigs and rain water harvesting systems, so experience of doing practical work outdoors is essential, as is familiarity with data collection and entry into Excel. The appointee may also supervise and direct the day-to-day activities of more junior technical staff. . Experience and/or qualification in crop agronomy is also desirable.
The successful applicant will have good inter-personal and team working skills with a flexible attitude as well as time management skills and the ability to work independently. Previous experience of working with sensor technologies, wiring diagrams and software packages is essential and is the willingness to work flexible hours and occasional weekends. A full UK Driving Licence or access to independent means of transport is essential.
The post-holder’s salary will be in the range from £19,626 to £25,896 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications. This is a full time post.
Further details from/applications to: Tina Baker, HR Office, East Malling by e-mail from recruitment@emr.ac.uk or Tel: 01732 523791
PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY
Closing date: 29 May 2020
Top Fruit Foreman
Top Fruit Foreman required
Ref (Live in) - A308
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Top Fruit Foreman/Advisor to play a leading role within a respected organisation in Kent. This position will suit candidates with strong technical knowledge and a proven ability to lead large teams of staff in field.
The leading organisation holds a diverse portfolio of farming businesses, with this farm contributing to a leading supplier to the apple industry. The farm focusses on branded apple and pear products, supplying fresh produce to UK supermarkets.
The role of Top Fruit Foreman/Advisor will involve assisting in the day to day management of the substantial top fruit farm, including all hands-on duties associated with a large commercial orchard. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing staff in addition to the physical aspect of the role; tractor/sprayer driving, irrigation, picking, packing etc.
Suitable applicants will have experience of managing at least 75 members of staff in the field (picking/packing) as well as excellent knowledge of growing and producing apples and/or pears. Spray certificates (PA1 and PA3) are preferred but are not essential. With self-motivation and commitment, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to assist in the development of the enterprise, which in turn will allow for progression within the company.
An attractive salary is offered in line with experience, as well as a subsidised three-bedroom cottage.
If this Top Fruit Foreman (Live in) vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 732767 or mark.read@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 Top Fruit Foreman (Live in) 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 Top Fruit Foreman (Live in) vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Top Fruit Agronomist
Ref - A307
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Top Fruit Agronomist to play a key role within a respected organisation in Kent. This position will suit candidates with extensive industry experience and the desire to pass on their knowledge to others.
The role will involve the provision of agronomic and associated technical advice in relation to the growing and storage of stone/top fruit such as apples, pears, plums, cherries and apricots. The successful applicant will be tasked with providing current advice and information to a diverse clientele of growers and producers throughout Kent.
Suitable applicants must have a strong agronomic background and an ability to communicate and engage well with people, such that working client relationships are maintained and built upon. Self-motivation, focus and positivity are important qualities in addition to confidence in conveying technical information to clients with varying degrees of understanding. Experience with BASIS and Gatekeeper is expected of senior agronomist applicants, however training may be provided for the otherwise ideal candidate. Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence.
A generous salary package is offered in line with experience.
If this Top Fruit Agronomist vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark Read on 01233 732767 or mark.read@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 Top Fruit Agronomist 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 Top Fruit Agronomist vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
River Keeper/Estate Gardener
Ref - EC11108
A rare and interesting opportunity has arisen for a River Keeper/Estate Gardener / Water Bailiff to join a Paper Mill Estate within the heart of the Kent countryside.
Our client owns a fishery which includes course and trout fishing lakes as well as river fishing and clay shooting. The 26-acre estate comprises a Trout Lake, Coarse Fishery, River, Woodland and Lawn. They currently seek an enthusiastic and driven River Keeper/Estate Gardener/ Water Bailiff to maintain the fishery, as well as carry out other general gardening and maintenance duties around the estate.
The successful candidate will maintain the garden consisting of grass, flower beds, trees, hedges, gates and fences on site. He / She will be responsible for the security of the house and fisheries site including the car park and fire station. Controlling the levels of the River and the Lakes is part of the role and must be managed at all times, therefore the candidate is responsible for the handover of this duty to a specific individual when leaving the site. He / She will test the fire pump, hydrants and fire hoses on the site in conjunction with the Mill Engineer.
In addition, the successful candidate will be responsibility for all mowers, boats, tools and equipment owned by the client. He / She will manage the upkeep and maintenance of the stock, fishery and shooting grounds including vermin control. Other duties may be necessary for the smooth running of the estate, the fishery and Shooting Grounds including maintenance of the swimming pool. He / She will assist in the organising and the running of corporate let days as well as the organising and leading of working parties to carry out specific tasks at the fishery / shooting grounds.
You must be able to use your own initiative and work efficiently. The ideal candidate will ideally hold a chainsaw certificate, backpack spray certificate, shotgun licence as well as be able to use a tractor mower and be able to swim. He / She will be dog friendly as they would be expected to look after the owner’s dogs in their absence.
The position requires being based on site therefore a 2-bedroom unfurnished cottage is offered with this opportunity. All bills including council tax, water and electricity are the responsibility of the tenant. Logs to fuel the central heating boiler may be gathered from the estate.
The Rota (Hours and days of work) will be mutually agreed in advance and set on a weekly / monthly basis. You will be entitled to four weeks paid holiday per annum in addition to the Statutory Bank Holidays. Should any of these need to be worked, time off in lieu will be given.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who truly enjoys a real country keeper way of life.
SALARY: £18,138 per annum
LOCATION: Kent
JOB No: EC11108
If this River Keeper/Estate 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 River Keeper/Estate 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 River Keeper/Estate Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Skilled Gardener - EC8543 - This position has now been filled
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a skilled and experienced gardener to maintain and manage the private garden surrounding a 13th century house near Canterbury, Kent. The owners of the garden would also be open to a keen and enthusiastic gardener to work closely with the current gardener for a period to gain the experience to manage the garden.
The two-acre garden consists of mixed herbaceous borders, shrubs, roses, mature trees, lawns and spring bulbs. The owners are largely self-sufficient in vegetables in the kitchen garden with a 4-course rotation. There is a heated greenhouse for propagation and tender plants. A well-used conservatory is attached to a period house and the owners take pride in having it full of flowering plants in the dull winter months.
The owners are garden enthusiasts and are looking for a hands-on gardener with drive and initiative to manage their garden. They would be required to undertake a range of normal gardening duties, including weeding, planting, deadheading, pruning, mowing, propagation etc. As there are extensive hedges on site, the owners engage a contractor to cut the hedges.
The ideal candidate will have a positive outlook and friendly character. He/she will be organised, able to plan and prioritise workload and have good time and record-keeping skills. Applicants should have good horticultural knowledge, good plant identification and, ideally, a minimum level 2 horticultural qualification. Spray certificates PA1/PA6 are required; however, the owners would be willing to support the training if required. Experience growing vegetables would be an advantage. Ability to operate a strimmer and lawnmower are also needed for the role.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled gardener, or prospective skilled gardener, to work closely with friendly and supportive owners on maintaining and managing their garden. The working hours are 8 hours per day and weekend work is not required.
SALARY: Up to £25,000
LOCATION: Near Canterbury, Kent
JOB No: EC8543
If this Skilled 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 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
Recruitment Consultant
Recruitment Consultant position at Horticruitment (UK) Ltd
Working Hours: 08:30 – 17:00 Monday - Friday
Salary + Commission: £30,000 -£35,000 DOE
Contract: Permanent
Who we are?
Horticruitment (UK) Ltd is a niche recruitment agency with its primary focus on placing skilled and experienced candidates across all sectors of the horticultural industry. We are a responsible modern organisation, with best practice a fundamental part of our 30-year history. We believe that excellent client and candidate management can only be achieved by making staff motivation and well-being a top priority. Horticruitment (UK) Ltd has significant growth planned over the next 3 years with a firm focus on business development across all horticultural sectors.
Over Horticruitment’s 30-year history we have sourced candidates from either a recruitment background or direct from the horticultural industry with work experience in any one of the following sectors: garden centre retail, nursery, landscape and arboriculture.
30 years of permanent recruitment built by great people!
Your working environment?
Our modern open planned office is in the rural location of Kenardington and is a 5-minute journey from Hamstreet Train Station, and a 10-minute direct link to Ashford International Station. We have several meeting areas to include a conference and training room, an open more relaxed space as well as an outside break area to enjoy pleasant weather and fresh air for all employees.
What a consultant’s role for Horticruitment (UK) Ltd involves;
• An end-to-end recruitment process, working closely with clients and delivering a streamlined and efficient recruitment process
• To have a good understanding of the horticultural sectors
• Write job descriptions and adverts, along with social media (LinkedIn and Twitter being the main platforms)
• Carry out pre-screening, telephone interviewing and arrange face to face interviews
• High level of customer service
• Always looking for opportunities to drive performance
• To build and establish relationships
• A good knowledge in the use of Word, Excel, and Outlook and ability to use a CRM information system including, accessing, inputting and compiling data.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, along with excellent IT skills
• Work within tight and conflicting time frames, responding to queries from candidates, external agencies and hiring managers.
• To handle confidential information and sensitive matters
• To support your colleagues, working together, building strong working relationships and ultimately being part of a strong unified working environment.
Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Recruitment Consultant 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 Recruitment Consultant vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Couple
Couple required
A rare opportunity has arisen for a Skilled Gardener to take ownership of an impressive private garden near Wye in Kent, with 2-3hrs/day housekeeping duties offered to a partner. Applications are sought from suitable couples with experience in each respective area. The minimal housekeeping duties will allow the candidate their own time to maintain other activities for most of each day, i.e. working from home etc.
The stunning Georgian property is owned by a family of six and has benefitted from management by a gardener for the past 41-years, though the present owners have only been in the property for the last three years. The current Gardener will be moving to a nearby house in early 2021 and whilst nearing retirement age will continue to work in the garden alongside a new Gardener, who in time will take over full time. This is therefore an excellent opportunity for a skilled and knowledgeable gardener to move into a position of responsibility, or for an experienced Sole/Senior Gardener to take on an attractive new role on a live-in basis, alongside their partner.
The large historic property encompasses approximately 20-acres of lawns, woodland, a river and a stream, mixed bed/borders and flower beds. The gardens require full time attention from the gardener and although the woods are maintained by contractors, they would still require some basic maintenance at times. Duties include mowing of the lawns (approximately 1.5 days per week), hedge cutting, flower bed maintenance, edging, weed control, stream clearing, shrubbery maintenance, management of herbaceous borders, roses, ornamental pots, riverside plantings, plus other general garden maintenance duties. There is currently no kitchen garden on site and no plans to create one, however glasshouse and plant propagation will be required and as such, applicants must have experience in raising plants from cuttings and seed. There is also a regular requirement for 'handyman' jobs around the estate, though the primary focus of the role is gardening and horticulture. Help from an assistant gardener in the summer months is available in one section of the garden, on a limited basis.
Suitable candidates for the Gardener role will have strong horticultural knowledge and time management skills, ideally with experience in a similar position; either in a position of seniority and/or responsibility as a Sole Gardener. Good strength and physical fitness are essential as the role may involve heavy lifting and extended periods of hedge cutting with machinery, for example. Applicants should have experience in the operation and basic maintenance of machinery, such as cylinder and ride-on mowers, long-reach hedge cutters and ideally, chainsaws. Experience in species-specific pruning (including roses), basic plant pest and disease control and plant propagation is required, as well as a positive attitude and an ability to work alongside the property owners in a creative and constructive way. The successful candidate will be easy to get on with, have good interpersonal and social skills, be proactive, loyal, a hard worker, gets on well with children and is reliable and trustworthy.
Housekeeping duties will be general and basic, such that professional experience in this area is not required, though always beneficial. A combined salary will be offered as stated below, with accommodation provided. A DBS/criminal background check will be asked of the successful candidate.
SALARY: Circa £35,000 + Accommodation
LOCATION: Kent
JOB No: EC23855
If this Couple 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 Couple 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 Couple vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
www.englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
Nursery Production Supervisor
Ref - C429
Nursery Production Supervisor required
Our client is an established Wholesale Nursery built up over the past 40 years, with the growing area now increased to 400 acres. This includes cold storage facilities pack house and a hectare of plants grown under protection which include a range of bare root and container grown trees and shrubs from seed including balled trees. They are currently seeking 2 x Production Supervisors to join the team.
Do you have nursery production experience?
Do you have a positive ‘Can do’ attitude?
Can you lead and inspire a team to produce quality plants?
Key points
- Supervising the lifting and grading of plants
- Supporting the Dispatch team when required
- Aiding seed sowing and transplanting
- Pest and Disease control
- Supervising a team of staff in particular Agency staff
Must have
- Good plant and production knowledge
- Ideally spraying certificates PA1,2& 6
- A hands on positive approach to all tasks
- The ability to lead and Inspire a team of staff
If this Nursery Production Supervisor 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 Nursery Production Supervisor 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 Production Supervisor vacancy will have been unsuccessful.