Job: Senior Gardener
Location: Berkshire
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000
Work Schedule: 39 hours per week (Monday – Friday)
Start Date: Immediate Start Available
Overview and Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and passionate Senior Gardener to join a prestigious private country estate in Berkshire.
The estate is home to a stunning Grade I listed historic garden, featuring extensive parkland and lake land, mature lawns, ancient woodland and trees, an established vegetable garden with fruit trees, ornamental planting, a walled garden and a water garden.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented horticultural professional to take ownership of the gardens and play a leading role in their restoration, development and ongoing maintenance, working closely with the family to bring their vision for the estate to life.
Job Description
The Senior Gardener will take responsibility for the day-to-day management, restoration and enhancement of the estate’s historic gardens, ensuring they are maintained to an exceptionally high standard appropriate to their Grade I listed status.
Reporting daily to the Deputy Estate Manager, the Senior Gardener will also work closely with the family regarding their requirements and vision for the gardens.
The successful candidate will lead a small gardening team and will need to combine strong horticultural knowledge with a practical, hands-on approach.
The garden team currently consists of two gardeners, supported by additional apprentices and seasonal labourers as required.
Role Responsibilities
- Lead the restoration, maintenance and continued development of the estate gardens.
- Manage and supervise a team of two gardeners, alongside apprentices and seasonal labour.
- Work closely with the family to understand and deliver their vision for the gardens and grounds.
- Maintain the parkland, lawns, trees, fruit trees, vegetable garden, ornamental planting, walled garden and water garden.
- Apply strong horticultural knowledge to plant care, soil management and garden restoration.
- Assist with the planning and management of the gardens budget alongside the Deputy Estate Manager.
- Ensure all gardening work is carried out safely and in accordance with environmental best practice.
- Oversee the correct maintenance and safe use of garden machinery, equipment and vehicles.
- Maintain accurate records of machinery maintenance and safety checks.
- Provide guidance, training and supervision to members of the gardening team.
- Remain hands-on and actively involved in the day-to-day gardening and restoration work.
Candidate Requirements
- Recognised horticultural qualification, ideally RHS Level 3 or equivalent.
- Proven experience working within and managing large, established or historically significant gardens.
- Strong knowledge of horticulture, plants and soil management.
- Experience in garden restoration and development.
- Previous team leadership or supervisory experience.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Strong understanding of environmental practices and safe working procedures.
- Confident working independently while also leading and developing a small team.
- A genuinely hands-on approach with the ability to personally undertake practical gardening tasks to a high standard.
- Passionate about horticulture, garden restoration and creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
- High levels of attention to detail and pride in maintaining prestigious gardens.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary £40,000 – £45,000
- Monday-Friday working schedule with an early finish on Fridays.
- Opportunity to lead the restoration of a prestigious Grade I listed historic garden.
- Significant responsibility and autonomy within the gardens.
- Opportunity to work closely with the private family and influence the future development of the estate.
- Beautiful countryside working environment.
- Opportunity to lead, develop and mentor an established gardening team.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please send your CV/resume to : laura.iveson@achievehospitality.com
