An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Gardener to join the established garden of a private estate located in West Oxfordshire. The owners now require an experienced gardener with a proven track record of managing a large English country garden to assist in the ongoing maintenance and potential development of the garden and grounds. This exciting vacancy would be great for someone looking to work in a beautiful part of the country and join the community making this opportunity a way of life.
The gardens surrounding the main house cover roughly 8-acres and feature a recently restored walled garden, fountain terrace, mature herbaceous borders, semi-mature trees, extensive formal lawns, ancient woodland, lake, parterres, topiary and greenhouse. These gardens are set within historic parkland, encompassing 150-acres, possibly attributed to renowned 18th-century designer Capability Brown. The garden is mature and has been professionally designed and maintained; therefore, the owners are looking for a highly skilled candidate to keep the gardens at a high standard. A small kitchen garden and orchard are currently under development within the estate.
The Head Gardener’s portfolio of gardening responsibilities also includes the Shooting Lodge, a number of VIP guest houses, village properties (when vacant) and some community areas (e.g., Churchyard and Almshouses). The gardens department comprises 5 full-time gardeners; these are augmented by part-time staff and contractors on a seasonal basis. The team is well equipped with up-to-date machinery and equipment. The management and development of the estate is shared between the Head Gardener, Head Woodsman, and Farm Manager, requiring a close working relationship. Likewise, the Head Gardener will be required to liaise closely with the House Manager and Heads of Maintenance and Security to ensure the smooth running of the estate.
Our client seeks an experienced gardener to help maintain the gardens on a year-round basis following the annual calendar. Applicants will possess an academic horticultural qualification, such as a Kew Diploma, RHS level 2 or equivalent, combined with extensive experience working in a similar role and setting. As such, excellent plant knowledge and technical skills are essential for this position with experience in compost management, propagation, spraying, weeding, and rejuvenating beds. A self-motivated, organised individual with a self-start attitude and proven track record of managing a mature English country garden is required. A strong work ethic, ability to work on their own initiative, and willingness to work to consistently high standards are essential qualities for this role. Candidates will be flexible and willing to extend their duties where needed. This is a physically demanding position which requires a fit and strong individual who is comfortable working in all weathers.
Candidates should have a strong interest in traditional country gardens and garden design, being equally comfortable with both formal gardens and less structured areas of trees and wildflowers. An interest in low-level seasonal food production for the owner would be advantageous, as would an interest or experience with beekeeping. The Head Gardener will work closely with a retained landscape designer and the Estate directors to further enhance the gardens and grounds in keeping with the owner’s wishes. The Head Gardener will be expected to lead by example as an active hands-on gardener, as well as exercise strong management oversight of the garden team, including effective daily tasking, performance monitoring, and professional development. A sound understanding of Health and Safety in a gardening context will be essential.
Accommodation is provided for the successful candidate. This currently comprises of a 3-bedroom village cottage; however, other properties may be available subject to the need of the individual.
Please note, the successful candidate will be offered subject to extensive reference checks (both written and verbal) and DBS check. Candidates will also need to provide evidence of qualifications held and hold a full driver’s licence. This is a full-time permanent position based on a 39-hour week. There will infrequently be the need to work over weekends in order to prepare the gardens and grounds for visits by the owner and their family members.
SALARY: Up to £41,000 DOE + Accommodation
LOCATION: West Oxfordshire
JOB No: EC66330
If this vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below or contact Sophie Sharpe on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk
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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 for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.
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Tagged as: full time, head gardener, Live In, Oxfordshire
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