An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Gardener / Grounds Maintenance professional to join a private estate in East Dorset, working alongside the long-standing Head Gardener to maintain and develop the gardens and wider grounds.

This role offers flexibility and could suit someone looking for either part-time or full-time work, depending on the candidate. While the busiest period is during the spring and summer months, the role is not strictly seasonal and may include year-round work supporting the ongoing maintenance of the estate.

About the Estate

The rural property is situated in a beautiful location approximately 10 miles from the Dorset coast. The main house is surrounded by formal gardens with parkland, mature trees and paddocks beyond.

The 29-acre estate includes:

Formal gardens with borders and lawns
Ornamental planting and vegetable gardens
Two lakes and a swimming pool area
Fruit trees and mature woodland
Parkland and paddocks

The estate has been pridefully maintained, and we are looking for someone who shares the same pride in maintaining high horticultural standards.

The Role

Working closely with the Head Gardener, you will support the ongoing maintenance and development of the gardens and grounds.

Responsibilities include:

Maintaining lawns, borders, beds and ornamental planting
Planting, pruning and seasonal garden care
Monitoring plant health, pests and diseases
Operating garden machinery and tools (strimmers, hedge cutters, mowers etc.)
Hedge cutting, strimming and general grounds maintenance
Supporting vegetable garden and fruit tree care
Assisting with garden and landscaping projects across the estate
Maintaining the overall presentation of the gardens and grounds

The role will involve a mix of horticultural work and general estate maintenance, working closely with the Head Gardener to ensure the estate continues to be maintained to a high standard.

About You

We are looking for someone reliable, practical and experienced who takes pride in their work.

You will ideally have:

Experience working within gardens, estates or grounds maintenance
Strong plant knowledge and attention to detail
Confidence using garden machinery and equipment
Physically capable of carrying out manual outdoor work, including lifting, digging, operating machinery and spending extended periods working outdoors in varying weather conditions
A hands-on and proactive approach
The ability to work independently as well as alongside others

The following would be advantageous but are not essential:

Level 2 horticultural qualification or above
Spraying qualifications (PA1/PA6)
Chainsaw certification
Experience operating small tractors or similar machinery

Additional Information

Flexible role - part-time or full-time considered
Opportunity for year-round work depending on the candidate
Opportunity to work on a well-established private estate
Over time, there may be opportunities for the role to develop further as part of the long-term maintenance of the estate.
Self-employed or employed arrangements may be considered depending on the candidate
Applicants must have relevant experience and be able to provide references. Applications without demonstrable experience will not be considered.

Job Types: Part-time, Freelance
Part-time hours: 30-40 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave
Company pension
Employee discount
Free parking
On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

Ferndown, Dorset: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:

Gardening: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Clark Estates UK Ltd

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Estate Gardener / Grounds Maintenance (Private Estate)