Sole Gardener

Job Description

An excellent opportunity has arisen near Harrogate for a skilled gardener to join an exciting new garden project on a full-time permanent basis. The role will suit an experienced gardener with a desire to utilise their knowledge and skills on a two-year garden development project, followed by the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the garden. Accommodation is not provided with the role so applicants should live close to Harrogate in Yorkshire, or actively be looking to relocate to the area.The 15-acre property comprises a 3-4-acre garden, of which two can be considered formal, surrounded by paddocks managed by a local farmer. The gardens include a kitchen garden (to be relocated as part of the improvement project), extensive yew and mixed hedging, a formal woodland walk with azalea planting, lawns, a walled garden containing mixed perennials, a ha-ha, two natural springs and various mature specimen trees. As development works to the building and some outdoor spaces are in progress currently, the successful candidate will be required to ensure the gardens are protected from the works by way of contractor supervision. Approximately one-acre of garden at the opposite end of the property to the development works will be the main focus for the Sole Gardener in terms of improvement and horticultural input.The property owner does not live on site at present as the house is being rented to the previous owners for a period of approximately six months. The new owners will move into the house in spring of 2022 and will be involved with the development and improvement works, which are likely to take approximately two-years, from beginning to end. The successful candidate will therefore be required to use their experience, training and initiative to ensure their work is well planned and executed as the employer will not be present for periods of time during the transition. Contact between the new gardener and the property owner will be maintained throughout, with discussion on the owners’ vision and garden development preferences taking place regularly.The successful candidate will work alongside the existing gardener for a period of six-months as a handover before taking on the role of Sole Gardener. There is a requirement for the new gardener to start work as soon as reasonably possible as the site/project has been prepared and is ready for commencement of the two-year project. The role will involve full-time maintenance of the gardens upon completion, ensuring a full-time permanent position for the successful applicant.Suitable candidates for this role will hold an academic horticultural qualification, ideally at Level 2 or above, with strong plant knowledge and several years’ experience in gardening positions of responsibility whether within the private or commercial sector. Physical fitness and initiative are essential, alongside competence with the safe operation and basic maintenance of garden machinery. Experience with chainsaws and chemical spray applicators is desired, though otherwise suitable applicants will not be discounted. A full driving licence is essential.SALARY: Circa £25,000 - £28,000 DOELOCATION: Harrogate, YorkshireJOB No: EC14621If this Sole Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Mark ReadThank 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 vacancywill have been unsuccessful. Required skills

Gardening

Horticulture

Keyskills :
Gardening Hticulture