Overview
Busy principals based in the south of France seek a hands-on live-in gardener (or Head Gardener) for their prestigious villa located in Ramatuelle. The normal schedule will be 5.5 days per week, from 8.30am-5.30pm, with the position to start as soon as possible. Note that this is a technical, hands-on position for a passionate gardener within a high-standing estate.
Responsibilities
- Preparing soil (earthworks, weeding, fertilizing, etc.).
- Planting, protecting, and caring for a wide variety of plants.
- Regular watering, planting, and general garden upkeep.
- Pruning, trimming, and felling trees and shrubs as needed.
- Managing outdoor areas and maintaining ponds and water features.
- Conducting minor masonry work (kerbs, slabs, paving installation).
- Applying and enforcing safety standards for equipment, tools, and chemical use.
- Proper use and basic maintenance of gardening machinery and tools.
- Managing and organizing green waste and recycling.
- Monitoring for plant health issues and pests; coordinating with specialists if treatment is needed.
Requirements
- BEP/CAP in landscaping, horticulture, or botany preferred, or strong proven technical experience.
- Certificat individuel produits phytopharmaceutiques (Certiphyto) necessary
- In-depth knowledge of plant biology, soil management, tree care, and general horticultural techniques.
- Comfortable performing physical gardening tasks daily.
- Previous experience in private households, estates, or luxury properties preferred.
- Comfortable working independently and proactively.
- Discretion, reliability, and attention to detail are essential.
- Knowledge of organic and sustainable gardening practices appreciated.
- Respectful of animals and nature.
