Head Gardener

Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Gardener with the enthusiasm for maintaining an historic and beautiful garden to a high standard set in Suffolk. The position is full time, permanent and would suit a friendly and knowledgeable allrounded gardener that holds experience in maintaining gardens to an incredibly high standard.Built over 350 years ago, the historic property and grounds occupy 72-acres of landscaped gardens, parkland, ancient broadleaf woodland. The pleasure grounds were originally laid out by celebrated landscape designer John Evelyn, before being further developedin the late 1700s by William Kent and Capability Brown. Brown created a series of weirs and waterways through the pleasure grounds. Within the last 10-years these were restored to their former glory using Browns original drawings. The family have workedclosely over the past few years with a renowned Garden Designer who designed a family garden beside the house; they still play an integral part of the gardens and are very much involved in the development of the grounds.Primary focus for this role will be the formal flower garden, where the gardener will have a fine-tuned knowledge of propagating and maintaining a wide range of wonderful flowers. A walled kitchen garden occupies 2-acres and grows a wide variety of producefor the main household. A greenhouse grows bedding plants, vegetables, and pot plants for the main house, and the newly installed cutting garden supplies stunning displays for the main house. The Head Gardener will also be tending to the familys private gardenas well as overseeing other elements to the estate include expansive bedding areas, woodland, and rows of herbaceous borders.The wider gardening team consists of a part time gardener, as well as the Head Groundsman who tends to the expansive lawns and maintenance of the waterways. The two dedicated members of staff have been with the estate for many years and know the gardensand grounds like the back of their hands. As well as gardening duties, secondary duties may include assisting with security within the main house such as opening and locking up if required. Open to the public during summer months, the estate hosts a numberof events in the grounds and parklands from music festivals to equine endurance challenges. For open days and special events, the gardener may be required to assist in the preparation for such events.The owners have a real passion for their garden and are looking for a knowledgeable Head Gardener to maintain the garden with minimal supervision to a high horticultural standard. The ideal candidate will be a true plantsperson, have good plant identificationand knowledge of the seasons. Applicants should ideally have a minimum level 2 horticultural qualification and have previous experience working on a private estate. PA1/PA6 spraying, chainsaw certificate and driving licence would also be ideal. Other requirementsfor the role are good communications skills and a real passion for horticulture. The Head Gardener should be happy to work outside in all weathers, have the drive to get the job done to a high standard and a have a vision for maintaining and enhancing thegarden as required. The successful applicant will be expected to hold knowledge in the operation of a wide range of garden machinery and have good craft skills. Applicants that already possess their own range of tools and equipment are encouraged to bringthese to site.For those seeking accommodation a 3-to-4-bedroom house is available on site. This includes a private walled garden, ample parking and is in a secure area adjacent to the kitchen garden. In addition, the estate will pay council tax and water rates, howeverthe gardener will be required to cover gas and electricity. Partners, dependants, and pets are welcome.SALARY: Up to £30,000 depending on experienceLOCATION: SuffolkJOB No: EC53651If this Head Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sophie Sharpe.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 applicationfor this Head Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

Keyskills :
GardeningHorticulture