Gardener jobs

The opportunity

An outstanding opportunity for an experienced horticulturist to lead the hands-on management of Corrour Estate's extensive lodge gardens and establish a new productive market garden in one of Scotland's most remarkable and remote settings.

The role combines high standards of ornamental horticulture with the opportunity to create a productive growing operation from the ground up. The market garden's PolyCrubs are already in place and an initial planting plan has been developed and approved, but planting has yet to begin. The successful candidate will take ownership of implementing this plan, refining it where appropriate and developing productive, sustainable growing systems suited to the estate's requirements.

Gardening at Corrour brings particular challenges. The estate's altitude, exposed setting and Highland climate mean a short growing season, frosts and changeable weather must all be carefully considered. The successful candidate will be practical, resourceful and capable of adapting horticultural techniques to these conditions, making the best use of protected growing space and selecting crops suited to the site.

Key responsibilities

· Lead the day-to-day hands-on development of the extensive lodge gardens and other managed garden areas.

· Maintain high horticultural standards across ornamental planting, lawns, borders, hedges, shrubs and trees.

· Establish and manage the market garden, including crop planning, propagation, soil improvement, planting, rotations, harvesting and seasonal production.

· Work with the estate's hospitality teams to develop a productive supply of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs for the lodge and potentially the Station House restaurant.

· Apply environmentally responsible growing methods, supporting biodiversity, healthy soils, water conservation and minimal chemical use.

· Plan seasonal workloads, manage supplies and equipment, and identify opportunities for improvement.

· Work collaboratively with the wider estate team while taking responsibility for the gardens' day-to-day operation.

About you

You will have a recognised horticultural qualification or substantial relevant practical experience, with strong all-round gardening skills and a genuine commitment to ecological and environmental management.

You will be organised, self-motivated and comfortable working independently. Experience in productive gardening, vegetable growing, crop planning or market garden development would be advantageous, as would experience of gardening in Scotland or other challenging climates.

Above all, you will enjoy creating and developing something, combining established horticultural knowledge with initiative, adaptability and a willingness to learn.

The package

· Salary is dependent on experience, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate.

· 40 hours per week, normally Monday to Friday, with flexibility required for seasonal priorities.

· High-quality personal accommodation.

· A suitable vehicle for business use.

· A comprehensive range of personal benefits including healthcare.

· The opportunity to shape the future of the estate's gardens and market garden.

Life at Corrour

Corrour is a genuinely remote Highland estate, offering exceptional scenery, tranquillity and the opportunity to work closely with the natural environment. However, its location requires a realistic appreciation of remote living, including planning ahead for shopping, services, travel and social activities. This opportunity will suit someone who values rural life, enjoys independence and is comfortable being part of a close-knit estate community.

An additional opportunity for a couple

For the right candidates, there may be an opportunity for a partner to join the estate team in a separate practical role, with approximately 50% of their time assisting with the gardens and the remainder devoted to general estate maintenance and supporting other teams. Relevant practical, maintenance or trade skills would be advantageous. This is an optional opportunity, with terms agreed separately.

How to applyPlease submit a CV and covering letter outlining your relevant experience, horticultural interests, approach to environmental management and reasons for wishing to join Corrour Estate. Applicants interested in the potential partner role are welcome to mention this in their application. Please feel free to call for an informal chat about the role (s)

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Private medical insurance

Work Location: In person