Head Gardener - Live In

Experienced gardener required for 5 acre private gardens of historic Grade 1 listed Jacobean manor house in picturesque valley in West Devon.

The gardens lie within a 1500 acre estate which includes in hand farming, woodland, fishing and shooting.

This is a live in job and a three bedroom cottage is provided rent free. You will have a garden with fruit trees and are welcome to walk through the estate.

The gardens comprise lawns, herbaceous and mixed borders, terrace with rill, parterre, arboretum, lakes, fruit and vegetable garden with large glasshouses and chicken run.

We are looking for a broad expertise in gardening, tree care and grounds maintenance.

A horticultural qualification equivalent to RHS level 2 is preferable.

Chainsaw and spraying certificates and a driving licence will be required together with competence in maintaining garden machinery and equipment.

Responsibilities include:

• Weeding & mulching of herbaceous and mixed borders
• Mowing and edging of lawns
• Rose care
• Taking cuttings of tender plants
• Sowing seeds and cultivating vegetables
• Pruning ornamental and fruit trees
• Topiary trimming
• Planting pots and troughs
• Spraying paths
• Operating and maintaining of gardening equipment and machinery
• Preparing firewood

You will be assisted by a full-time gardener/handyman and by the enthusiastic owner. You will also be welcomed as an integral member of the estate team.

The role will encompass some general duties helping the owner with aspects of the running of the estate including the biomass heating system and house security. Dog lover preferred.

Salary will be negotiated at interview and will depend on experience. Pension scheme provided.

Annual holiday 28 days inclusive of Bank Holidays.

It is an opportunity to settle in a special area and pursue a fulfilling rural life.