Experienced Gardener Required - Ref 1173

Experienced Gardener Required,

After 14 years service, our wonderful gardener is leaving us. Thus an exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced, friendly and motivated sole gardener to join us on our idyllic 200 year old private country estate near Okehampton, Devon.

This is a varied role involving the responsibility and maintenance for our beautiful landscaped gardens and also our Victorian walled garden and glasshouse where we grow organic fruit and vegetables for the family. The garden also contains water features and ponds.

The role would require strong plant and horticultural knowledge. Excellent topiary skills are essential. Work would include planting; pruning fruit trees, roses and shrubs; weeding; leaf collection; general lawn maintenance; sowing and producing fruit and vegetables for the table; propagating; pest control and compost management.

Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years’ high level gardening experience ideally having worked on a diverse private estate. Level 2 RHS certificate or equivalent would be beneficial. Spraying PA1 & PA6 are essential and a chainsaw licence is advantageous. The successful candidate will need to be familiar with garden machinery and how to take care of it. They will also be required occasionally to work with our estate manager and other staff, clearing gutters and helping prepare for occasional estate functions for example.

Applicants should have a positive attitude, be conscientious and energetic in their work and have a good sense of humour. This role will require the applicant to predominantly work on their own so an ability to manage their own time efficiently and be punctual is essential. We are always looking for new ideas to develop and improve all aspects of the garden so having a creative flair would be welcomed. Although this is a sole gardener position, the successful candidate would have the support of a small but friendly wider estate team.

This is a permanent position offering the right applicant a competitive salary and a charming three bedroom cottage if required.

Please send CV to: eganjamesm@aol.com