Experienced Gardener

This is a garden restoration job. New owners require an experienced Gardener to work closely with them to lead the restoration and development of a once great garden on a beautiful part of the West Coast of Scotland. The position is full time and permanent and would suit an experienced and hands-on gardener who is passionate, experienced and knowledgeable especially about trees and woody perennials. The individual will have to be self-driven and able to be productive operating with a high degree of autonomy.

Planted from the 1860’s onwards, the garden is currently 20 acres, with abundant yet to be catalogued mature trees including Wellingtonia, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Magnolias and similar ericaceous species and cultivars. Maintained to a high standard until the early part of this century, the extraordinary plants and the views are disappearing under bracken, brambles and self-sown trees. The Gardener will be responsible for the planning and management of the restoration with the help of a Groundsperson and possibly one other.

There will be assistance from a small not yet experienced team, so the individual taking this role must be happy to lead others, being very hands on in all aspects of gardening including weeding, planting, composting, propagation, monitoring plant welfare, chainsaw work and vegetable growing amongst other duties. He / She will be able to balance a sense of ownership of the garden with the owners’ actual ownership and personal preferences. Personal resourcefulness and resilience are important in a remote coastal location albeit with a vibrant local and busy if seasonal tourist community. Honesty, trustworthiness and the ability to receive and give feedback are crucial.

Applicants will ideally hold professional level horticultural qualifications ideally gained while training at an RHS garden and/or have trained in a significant private garden. Understanding the nature of a privately owned garden is key. He/She will have deep knowledge and experience of large scale weed eradication and management, mostly using sustainable techniques. Particular interest in soil development and plant nutrition and experience of acid soil garden(s) will be sought. Chainsaw and spraying certification would be advantageous. There is a range of garden machinery available for use and the gardener will need to have the ability to operate and carry out basic maintenance of the garden machinery.

A two-bedroom cottage onsite is provided rent free for the successful applicant. Partners, pets and children are welcome. Council tax and bills e.g., water and electricity are the tenant’s responsibility.

SALARY: £30,000 - £35,000 depending on experience

LOCATION: West coast of Scotland

JOB No: EC58378

If this Experienced Gardener vacancy is of interest, please apply or contact Sara Yassin.

Thank you for the interest you have shown in this Experienced Gardener vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this Experienced Gardener vacancy will have been unsuccessful.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: EC58378