Gardening jobs in Shaftesbury

Experienced Head Gardener required for a wonderful Estate in Wiltshire

Our client is looking for a very experienced head gardener that can lead a team.

We are looking for a Candidate that can take responsibility for strategic and operational matters relating to the gardens and parkland across the estate and related high end property rentals.

We are looking for a candidate that has a hands-on approach in terms of delivery. A candidate that can effectively lead a team within a prestigious environment.

The Head Gardener will be responsible for looking after wonderful formal gardens, lawns, borders, hedge mazes and horticultural displays which are all part of this English Stately home. Always ensuring their appropriate presentation and cyclic maintenance.

Required to assist with the development of a planned 12-month planting programme to ensure the gardens always look at their best throughout the year, which includes achieving key deadline dates for presentation. Expected to ensure all areas are fully compliant with H&S legislation and procedures according to company policy to include risk assessments, reporting, training in particular security and fire.

Essential Criteria

· Good general level of Education and specialist qualifications with improving experience of working in a varied garden environment.

· A minimum of RHS level 3 or NVQ, Level 3 or the equivalent.

· Passion and great understanding of plants and horticulture

· The knowledge of, and experience with, garden maintenance equipment and machinery, trimmers, hedge cutters, chainsaws, mowers, tractors, etc.

· Extensive hands-on experience working in a large garden/estate that requires strong horticultural skills and technical knowledge.

· Supervisory and team management in both coaching and mentoring team members, as well as reinforcing appropriate behaviours and standards of performance.

· Full clean driving licence.

The ideal candidate Knowledge Experience and Qualifications

· Excellent organisation and planning skills for effective management of workloads and is able to develop team capacity in line with business plans and organisational vision, able to coach and develop individuals and teams for high performance whilst challenging poor performance effectively.

· Great attention to detail and a desire to maintain the grounds and gardens, which are open to the public, to the highest standards.

· Willing and capable of carrying out manual work tasks in all weather conditions.

· Self-motivated approach and flexible with hours dependent on workload and season.

· Excellent interpersonal skills are essential as the gardens and grounds are open to the public all the year round.

Desirable experience

· Experience of working within a heritage setting.

· P1 and P6 chemical spraying and CS30/CS31 certificates an advantage.

· Experience within a similar historical garden or country estate.

· Experience of managing projects.

· Experience of working within a kitchen garden.

· Experience of working with statutory partners, Historic England, Natural England, AONB, etc.

· Experience of writing procedures, drafting reports, preparing business cases.

· Ability to be commercially astute, able to manage budgets and always looking for ways to maximise opportunities.

Hours, Benefits and Salary

40 hours per week over 7 days. Typically, Monday to Friday.

29 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays based on a shift pattern.

Discretionary bonus scheme

Employer contributory pension scheme.

Life assurance scheme.

Plus, other benefits.

Reporting as Head Gardener to the Head of Facilities.

Salary up to £35,000 p.a. DOE

To apply

Please visit our website, www.theprivatestaffagency.co.uk and apply via our Candidate Registration page, attaching your CV and resume.

A full detailed job description will be sent to candidates that have the right level of experience mentioned above who can provide a detailed employment history plus verifiable references.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £35,000.00 per year

Additional pay:

• Bonus scheme

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Experience:

• gardening: 5 years (required)
• Horticulture: 4 years (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: #PSA 114