Estate Gardener

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced Gardener to join the Gardening team on a large private Estate in the Bath and North Somerset area.

Working as part of a dedicated Gardening team, the successful candidate will help achieve the highest standards of horticulture, ensuring the gardens are beautifully presented, carefully maintained and consistently kept to an exceptional standard. This is the perfect role for a true outdoors person who enjoys hands-on work and is happy to roll up their sleeves, come rain or shine. It is a great environment where teamwork is essential to maintaining the gardens to a high standard.

The successful candidate will have a good general knowledge of practical horticulture and be prepared to take a hands-on approach. The role will include a broad range of gardening duties, including growing fruit, vegetables and flowers, maintaining beds and borders, and training plants. Experience using a range of garden machinery, including ride-on and pedestrian mowers, strimmers and hedge cutters, is essential.

Key responsibilities

Reporting to the Head Gardener, you will support the ongoing maintenance, presentation and development of the Estate gardens. Responsibilities will include:

• Carrying out grass care and maintenance, including lawn mowing.
• Propagating, growing and maintaining greenhouse and container plants.
• Planting and maintaining seasonal flower displays.
• Undertaking weeding, leaf clearance, hedge maintenance and topiary.
• Caring for planters, pots and bedding plants.
• Planting out and watering plants, including weekend watering on a rota system.
• Feeding and pruning plants, including roses, climbers and fruit trees.
• Training and staking plants.
• Supporting planting work, including herbaceous planting and dividing.
• Carrying out spraying for pest, disease and weed control.
• Growing and pruning vegetables, herbs and soft fruit.
• Picking and harvesting produce.
• Caring for house plants and orangery plants.
• Helping others with their areas where needed.
• Contributing to garden projects as directed by the Head Gardener.
• Upholding and maintaining Estate Values by understanding, embracing and focusing on the principles and priorities of the Estate.
• Developing and maintaining positive working relationships across the Estate.
• Complying with all relevant Estate Health and Safety and Environment (HSE) practices and procedures, as outlined in the Health and Safety Policy/Procedures.
• Working with the Health & Safety Manager and Health & Safety Consultants as required, within the remit of the role.
• Ensuring accidents, near misses and observations are recorded or reported for investigation as needed.
• Proactively promoting and maintaining high standards across the Estate, taking initiative to resolve issues and/or draw attention to areas that do not meet required standards.
• Abiding by all Estate policies and procedures and reporting appropriately if you become aware of colleagues who are not doing so.
• Remaining committed to the continuous development of your own skills and knowledge, undertaking training where necessary.
• Carrying out any other ad hoc duties as required.

What we offer:

Competitive salary

27 days annual leave

Pension Scheme

Regular Personal and Professional Development Opportunities

A rewarding, caring working environment in a stunning location and with beautiful surroundings

Free parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to Product Discounts

Requirements

About you

• You will be a skilled gardener or horticulturalist with a wide range of experience in high-quality settings, including the tasks listed above.
• Relevant qualifications are desirable, such as RHS Level 2 certificates, a diploma or equivalent qualification such as an NVQ.
• Good plant knowledge is required, with garden and planting design experience or training desirable.
• A keen eye for detail, with an appreciation and understanding of colour, form and aesthetics in the garden, is essential.
• Experience in temporary floral displays, floristry and container growing is desirable.
• Spraying certificate desirable PA1 & PA6 (training will be provided where necessary).
• Some knowledge of biological control and organic pest control is desirable.
• Able to work in a tidy, safe manner and maintain tools and equipment.
• Confident communication skills, with the ability to interact with different individuals.
• Able to demonstrate a professional manner with excellent organisational skills.
• Computer literate.
• Proactive and flexible approach to work.
• Willing to take responsibility and ownership for tasks and garden areas.
• Strong sense of discretion, appreciating the confidentiality of the work.
• Ability to work autonomously, whilst possessing strong teamwork skills.
• Keen to suggest improvements to ways of working and a willingness to embrace new working practices.
• A valid UK driving licence.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.
• Excellent checkable references.

If you are an experienced, practical and detail-focused gardener who takes pride in maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces, we would be delighted to hear from you.