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
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Ferndown: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- Gardening: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
