Gardener jobs in Watton

Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Gardener to join our team.

Castle Howard, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in the late 17th century, is one of the most iconic stately homes in Britain. Its 1000 acres of landscaped Park, gardens and grounds are of world renown. In addition to sweeping lawns, two lakes, cascade, fountains, formal and walled gardens the estate also boasts the finest rhododendron and azalea collection in the North of England.

The Estate is looking for a Gardener to assist in the maintenance of the designed landscape across the Grounds and within the walled gardens.

You will be maintaining high standards of garden presentation in a way sensitive to the landscape context; carry out seasonal maintenance; effectively use composting systems; propagate and tend nursery stock and potted displays, inside and out.

The ideal candidate will be conscientious, practical, have basic plant knowledge and be proficient in a range of horticultural skills. A friendly manner with visitors and a broad understanding of current health and safety legislation are also important.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain excellent standards of garden presentation at all times
• Seasonal maintenance of informal and formal areas, including lawns, hedges and both productive and ornamental displays
• Culture of nursery stock and potted displays
• Upkeep and use of composting systems
• Some supervision/ guidance of volunteers and students
• Take a responsible approach to Health & Safety in the gardens to ensure the safety of employees, volunteers and visitors
• Be prepared to cover occasional weekend duties, for instance watering greenhouses or supporting the Estate’s events
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and statutory codes of practice, as advised
• Ensure all paperwork and certification required for work undertaken is fully up to date at all times
• Operate in accordance with Castle Howard Health and Safety Policy at all times;

Person Specification

Essential

Knowledge & Experience

• Ability to operate relevant machinery to a high standard and demonstrate necessary horticultural craft skills
• Knowledge and understanding of current Health & Safety legislation
• Specific and demonstrable horticultural training and/or proven experience of maintenance of ornamental and productive displays
• Solid basic plantsman/womanship
• Capable of undertaking all aspects of horticultural work and physical challenges of the post
• Knowledge of the management of composting systems

Competencies

• A friendly manner with visitors, volunteers and other Estate employees
• Good communication skills
• A willingness to learn new techniques and to expand relevant knowledge

Special Features

• Current driving licence

Desirable

Education/Qualifications/Training

• Spraying certificates, PA1 and PA6

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience of cultivation under glass or in polytunnels
• Experience with seasonal pot displays

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £25,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Experience:

• Gardening: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person