Gardener

Part time & Full Time opportunities available

One of the finest woodland gardens in the country, Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens is set over 240 acres with superb collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and bluebells. The landscaped gardens are Grade I listed and currently undergoing continued restoration and improvements. Features include a celebrated rock garden, arboretum, pinetum, seven lakes and miles of walking trails.

The job–holder will be part of a major innovative and collaborative project in a setting with great potential for someone with hands-on horticultural experience of major restoration projects and their subsequent ongoing maintenance.

The Successful individual will be part of a skilled and knowledgeable gardening team which will have the objective of making Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens an enjoyable, original, exciting and safe venue, as well as helping to make it a rewarding experience for visitors, staff and volunteers alike. The job holder will be involved in developing and maintaining an attraction which has again become a worthy addition to the county.

The job holder will ensure that our gardens and grounds are beautifully presented and immaculately looked after, sharing their love of outdoor spaces with visitors. Bringing the estate to life and sharing their stories is an important part of the role. The job holder will have the confidence and the ability to utilise their enthusiasm to inspire visitors, explaining all about what’s growing as well as providing explanations of what they’re doing if requested.

The job holder will help, under the leadership of the Head Gardener, to restore, develop, maintain, protect and present the gardens in accordance with conservation plans and to high standards. This would include finding the best ways of presenting plants, safeguarding habitats or growing the ingredients that are to be used in our award winning, Michelin-starrred, restaurant.

The job holder will ideally have experience of working in gardens of special historic and ecological interests that are open to the public, together with the ability to demonstrate a commitment and enthusiasm for delivering the highest quality visitor focused services whilst always working to high standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Ensure that Leonardslee Gardens are maintained to a high standard and to manage all the estate garden areas in accordance with the estate’s best practice (beds, borders, hedges, lawns, containers, etc) as directed by the Assistant Head Gardener and Head Gardener
• Competently perform a range of practical horticultural tasks to develop, enhance and conserve the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects
• Helping with hard and soft landscaping, and general maintenance of the garden, such as mulching, pruning, planting, leaf clearing and weeding for example
• Providing support with the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and our famous collections of rare and unusual plants
• Work with hand tools and basic light machinery such as ATVs, and small tractors
• Assist with the service of all garden equipment and machinery where required. Maintain tools and equipment and storage facilities
• Comply with all Health & Safety systems to protect and promote a safe working environment
• Follow and utilise working practices which are in accordance with Environmental Regulations, including in line with Company policy
• Interact with visitors on a daily basis, answering questions, leading gardening workshops or tours, and helping to set up events as needed and communicate clearly & respectfully to members on issues relating to the gardens
• Work with the rest of the estate management team to ensure visitors have the best experience they can

Undertake such other related duties commensurate with the level of responsibility and remuneration for the post that may be assigned by the Head Gardener.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrable passion, interest and enthusiasm in horticulture to a high standard

• Specific skills should include sound plant identification, pruning, propagation and pest & disease management

• An eye for detail and experience of looking after alpine plants, herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs

• Preferably also possess skills in arboriculture techniques

• Experience working with planting combinations and other basic design skills

• Experience of working with volunteers desirable

• Experience of working in a large garden open to the public

• Confident and comfortable sharing knowledge with interested visitors

• Experience working with contractors

• Proven experience in using handheld machinery

• Horticulture qualification – NVQ 2 or RHS level 2 or equivalent work experience

• PA1 and PA6 and brushcutter qualifications preferable

• Use of tractors preferable

• Current first aid certificate preferable but not essential

• Solid understanding of Health & Safety regulations and their importance

• Excellent interpersonal skills and a friendly personality

Additional Benefits:

• Competitive package
• Discounted Food and Beverage, plus accommodation within the Group.
• Use of facilities at our sister venue, Mannings Heath Estate.
• Free family membership.
• Complimentary tickets to events.

Don't miss the chance to be part of this exciting opportunity.