Gardening jobs in Haworth

ABOUT US

An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen for someone to be Head Gardener at Hob Green Estate’s 2.5-acre Victorian gardens and a further Victorian woodland walk. This is a very unique role for anyone looking to further their career and have an impact on a new, up-and-coming garden. We are hoping to open the gardens in 2026, and with the surrounding estate, woodlands and holiday cottages we are keen to become a memorable destination in North Yorkshire. This is a full-time, long-term position that will give the successful applicant the freedom to collaborate with us to develop the gardens further. You would be joining our fantastic team and we would be open to any new ideas and projects, regarding management and development of the gardens. We believe this to be a once in a lifetime opportunity for our perfect candidate - you’d become a big part of something really special.

Our family is passionate about Hob Green Gardens, which have been thoroughly redeveloped and replanted in the last ten years. By joining us, you’d be a part of a close-knit and unique team with intriguing future plans. Due to the fact that we are hoping to open the gardens to the public in 2026 we will need our Head Gardener to be forward-facing and comfortable talking to visitors and guests. The Head Gardener will play a key role in ensuring the garden is presented at its finest for these occasions. A person who has genuine enthusiasm, strong communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and a willingness to lead by example would enjoy this opportunity.

This exciting job position would be great for someone looking to work in a beautiful part of the country and join our community, making this leading role a way of life. We are really looking forward to your applications and meeting some excellent candidates. This is a very exciting step for us, so we hope you can feel our enthusiasm. Please have a look at our website - https://hobgreenestate.co.uk/

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

We are seeking an experienced, hard-working gardener to have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the gardens. Suitable applicants will ideally possess a recognised horticultural qualification, PA1 & PA6 spraying certificates, as well as extensive experience in horticulturally diverse gardens in a similar private setting. As such, excellent plant knowledge and technical skills are essential for this position, as is propagation. Rejuvenating and replanting are needed in some beds. Experience in compost management and lawn care. A self-motivated, organised individual with a self-start attitude and proven track record of managing gardens of this nature, with a strong work ethic, ability to work to their own initiative, and willingness to work to consistently high standards are qualities which are essential for this role. Candidates will be flexible and willing to extend their duties where needed. As such, this is a physically demanding hands-on position, which requires a fit and strong individual who is comfortable working in all weathers. A successful candidate will be required to work with and manage our groundsman and a small team of volunteers, plus external contractors as needed. They will be responsible for Health & Safety in the garden and ensuring that everyone is following the correct practices. Experience in the use and maintenance of a wide range of gardening machinery, which ideally the gardener should be capable of maintaining between services.

We have beautiful gardens and grounds comprising of extensive perennial borders, formal lawns, an orchard with spring wildflowers, 3 formal ponds, ornamental hedging, a rockery and more. As the gardens are constantly developing, the Head Gardener will be forefront with the planning and installation of new beds and borders. We are looking for an experienced gardener with a proven track record of managing a horticulturally diverse garden to assist in the ongoing maintenance and development of the garden and grounds.

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to complete a DBS check.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage planting, pruning and watering
• Maintain high standards of garden presentation at all times
• Maintain gardens beds, borders, trees – weeding, the use of Strulch, mulch and fertilisers
• Be an ambassador for Hob Green Estate and provide excellent customer service when interacting with visitors
• Identify pest diseases through regular inspection
• Operate garden machinery and tools safely – tractors, mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, chainsaw
• Upkeep of areas next to the holiday cottages
• Regular upkeep of formal ponds
• Hedge cutting in winter
• Clear leaves, raking, compost
• Cutting back
• Dividing, replanting and new planting.
• Jet washing
• Weeding and spraying gravel paths
• Woodland maintenance
• Adhere to health and safety regulations
• Supervise volunteers and offer guidance, potential work placements

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrable in-depth knowledge of horticulture
• RHS level 3 or equivalent (will consider RHS 2)
• Experience and certification with a range of garden machinery
• PA 1/6 spraying certificate
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements
• Experience of supervising volunteers
• Ability to manage time efficiently, prioritise workload
• Physical stamina and strength will be needed to perform manual labour in all weather conditions
• Ability to follow instructions but also take initiative
• Excellent communication skills and teamwork skills
• Full drivers license is essential due to the location of the estate

Not exhaustive - additional duties may be assigned as needed

ATTRIBUTES

• Hardworking, reliable and a practical mindset
• Easy manner with colleagues, guests and visitors
• Strong attention to detail
• A passion for horticuture
• Good team player
• Good communication skills
• Sense of humour
• Flexible approach to work
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Can see the bigger picture

BENEFITS

• Safety wear provided
• Estate uniform provided (coat, fleece and polo shirts)
• Company pension - 3%
• Free on site parking
• EV charging available
• Free access to garden for family members by agreement

Whilst we know this is an exhaustive list we are happy to compromise in areas if we feel the candidate is a good fit, willing to learn and shows enterprise.

Please apply with a covering letter explaining why you feel you are our perfect candidate and why you'd like to join us. Please include your CV, relevant horticultural experience and contact details to Heather Hutchinson - heather@hobgreenestate.co.uk

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £27,000.00-£30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 01/08/2025