Full Time Head Gardener, South Cambridgeshire. REF JF1778

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Gardener position within a private estate south of Cambridge.  This role would suit a knowledgeable, hands on gardener with previous experience as a Head Gardener and in Estate Management.

This is a full time position – Monday to Friday – 8am to 4pm . Occasional weekend work may be required during busy times.

The estate covers approximately 29 acres including parkland with around 3 acres of gardens. The gardens have recently been designed by award winning designer Andy Sturgeon and are currently undergoing construction and planting. The new staff member will be required to help establish the newly planted gardens and to carry on long term maintenance. The gardens include a range of formal gardens and parterres with a series of smaller gardens around the main house.

Within the wider landscape there are parkland trees, wildflower meadows and a lake. There is also an historic walled garden ( approx. 9 additional acres ) with magnificent newly renovated greenhouses and a peach house. The walled garden is a further project which is hoped to be developed in time and is currently undergoing design development by Andy Sturgeon and his team.

The Position:

• Hands on general garden maintenance such as mowing, pruning, hedge cutting, strimming, mulching etc
• Management of external contractors as required
• Maintenance of all plantings, weed control, staking/wire supports.
• Assistance within the woodland
• Maintenance of all lawns, wildflower areas and water meadows
• Seasonal bulb and pot planting, seed collection and propagation
• Maintenance of drives, paths, tracks and terrace.
• Maintenance of the irrigation system
• Maintenance of water features, sculptures, garden furniture.
• Checking drains, composting of waste on site and maintenance of equipment
• Assisting with vegetable, fruit, nut and flower production in the kitchen garden
• General estate maintenance as necessary
• Assistance within the woodland

The Person:

• Reliable, punctual with an excellent work ethic
• Enthusiastic with a genuine passion for horticulture.
• RHS qualifications to at least level 2 and a minimum of 3 years experience as a Head Gardener on private estates
• Excellent horticultural knowledge essential and some experience in plant propagation and kitchen gardening.
• Physical fitness essential as is the ability to safely operate garden machinery
• Chainsaw and spray certificates would be beneficial

A competitive salary will be offered to the successful person who can provide fully checkable references

This is an excellent opportunity to join an impressive private estate, and to become part of an exciting project that is likely to develop significantly over the coming years.

To apply please email – inf@ruralrecruitment.co.uk