The role is suited to someone with strong practical horticultural knowledge who enjoys working to a high standard, leading from the front operationally, and contributing to the broader development of a business over time.
This is a hands-on role with increasing operational influence for the right individual. Relevant qualifications, practical experience, leadership capability and broader operational skills will be reflected within the salary range.
Our business is primarily oriented around recurring domestic and estate-style properties of medium to large size, with our largest site covering approximately 18 acres. Most work comes directly from our own client base via the Gardeners’ Guild, alongside occasional collaboration with garden designers leading to soft landscaping and improvement projects.
We are steadily expanding the operational structure of the business, with increasing focus on systems, consistency, efficiency, year-round capability and long-term sustainability. Planned future infrastructure includes a dedicated workshop/storage facility intended to broaden off-season work opportunities through tool servicing, repairs, seasonal workshop projects and additional Winter capability.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable remaining hands-on while also helping strengthen operational standards, organisation, workflow and overall team capability. This role may particularly suit someone from a larger commercial or estate-management environment who is looking for a smaller, more agile setup with greater operational influence and involvement in the long-term development of the business.
Gardeners are responsible for maintaining an organised vehicle setup and ensuring tools and equipment are prepared appropriately for each day’s work. The role includes maintaining clear work notes using Google Calendar and shared documents so that task lists accurately reflect changes between visits. Pesticide records are maintained through our app where applicable.
Operational systems, internal guides and structured workflows are actively being developed within the business, and senior staff will play an important role in helping maintain standards, support less experienced gardeners and contribute toward improving consistency across the team.
Seasonal operational refreshers are also gradually being introduced within the business, primarily focused around changes in seasonal tasks, equipment, PPE requirements, safety considerations and working practices throughout the year.
Duties:
- High-quality garden maintenance
- Lawn care
- Soft landscaping
- Irrigation installation
- Chainsaw work
- Pressure washing
- General handyman tasks
- Pruning fruit trees
- Treating pests and diseases
- Servicing and maintaining tools/equipment
- Replenishing stock
- Administration and work planning
- Tidying and organising work vans
- Supporting staff development and operational standards
Desired Experience / Qualifications:
- Full UK driving licence
- Strong practical horticultural knowledge
- RHS qualifications or equivalent experience
- Spray certification (PA1/PA6 desirable)
- Chainsaw certification desirable
- Team-leading or operational management experience
- Irrigation experience advantageous
- Tool servicing/maintenance experience advantageous
- Experience towing trailers and transporting machinery advantageous
- Experience operating larger grounds-maintenance machinery advantageous
- Strong organisational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong physical fitness and stamina
- Comfortable working at height and outdoors in typical seasonal conditions
Applicants should be comfortable completing routine maintenance tasks to a high standard without constant supervision. There is an expectation not only to identify plants, but to possess a solid working understanding of their management, seasonal requirements and long-term care.
Salary is dependent on experience, capability, operational contribution and the scope of responsibilities undertaken within the role.
