Gardener jobs in Wallingford

We are seeking an experienced, knowledgeable and self-motivated Head Gardener to take sole responsibility for the management, maintenance and ongoing development of a private estate garden. This hands-on role is ideally suited to an individual who takes pride in maintaining the highest horticultural standards and is confident working independently across all aspects of garden care.

The successful candidate will have a strong practical knowledge of plants, seasonal gardening operations, and estate maintenance, together with the ability to plan and prioritise workloads effectively to ensure the gardens remain beautifully presented throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities

· In association with your employer and their garden designer plan, develop, and maintain all gardens, lawns, borders, and landscaped areas.

· Design and implement seasonal planting schemes.

· Provision and care of plant stock to maintain the gardens including management of the greenhouse, kitchen garden and conservatory plants.

· Ensure the health and appearance of plants, trees, shrubs, and turf.

· Manage pruning, propagation, planting, and cultivation schedules.

· Monitor soil health, irrigation systems, and pest control.

· Manage composting, waste disposal, and sustainable gardening practices.

· Maintain garden tools, machinery, and equipment.

· Maintenance and liaison with River Keeper over a stretch of river.

· Ensure safe storage and responsible use of fertilizers, pesticides, and chemicals.

· Supervise, train, and schedule gardening staff or volunteers.

· Liaison with domestic staff, farm contractors, riverkeepers etc.

· Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

· Assisting in the maintenance and wider estate property including the engagement and supervision of contractors.

About You

· Have demonstrable experience as a Head Gardener or be a competent under gardener ready for a new role.

· Hold a suitable qualification in an appropriate horticultural discipline, although not essential.

· Be an experienced plants person.

· Have good attention to detail and experience in working to very high standards in a tidy manner.

· Be able to prioritise garden needs and manage resources.

· Have an interest in nature and management of wild space.

· Be experienced in the use (and where possible, maintenance) of garden machinery and equipment and maintenance.

· Work well as part of a team and be comfortable with the supervision of colleagues and contractors.

Position: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: Full time. There will be a requirement to work outside of normal hours from time to time.

Accommodation: Not provided.

Salary: Commensurate with experience, to be agreed. Expected range £40,000 - £50,000

First interviews are planned to take place via Teams/Zoom with second interviews in person at the property.

Pay: £40,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person