Head Gardener
Private Country Estate – South Devon
Full-time | Live-in or Live-out
A private country estate in South Devon is seeking an experienced and committed Head Gardener to take responsibility for the care, management, and ongoing development of its extensive formal and informal gardens. This is a hands-on role suited to a knowledgeable horticulturist who takes pride in maintaining gardens to an exceptional standard. The role is supported by under gardeners.
The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of garden maintenance across the estate and will work closely with the Estate Manager and owners to ensure the gardens continue to thrive. Applications are welcomed from experienced garden managers as well as capable senior gardeners ready to step into a leadership role.
Key Responsibilities
- Overall management and maintenance of all garden areas, including formal gardens, ornamental beds, rose gardens, parkland, orchards, and lakes
- Day-to-day hands-on gardening, ensuring consistently high standards of presentation
- Management of under gardeners
- Operation and routine maintenance of garden machinery, including mowers, strimmer’s, and leaf blowers
- Seasonal tasks such as mowing, edging, pruning, planting, weeding, and leaf clearance
- Planting, nurturing, and maintaining trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns
- Application of fertilisers and pesticides in accordance with safety, environmental, and best-practice guidelines
- Monitoring and managing irrigation systems to ensure efficient water use
- Maintenance, care, and safe storage of tools and equipment
- Assisting with garden improvement and landscaping projects in consultation with the Estate Manager and owners
- Supervising and coordinating any additional garden staff or contractors, as required
· Undertaking other general estate duties when required, which may include driving, assisting with estate logistics, or supporting other departments during busy periods. This is a role that requires flexibility.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience
· Proven practical experience in garden maintenance, horticulture, or estate gardening
- Strong plant knowledge and the ability to identify a wide range of plants
- Sound understanding of horticultural techniques and seasonal garden management
- Physically fit, with the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- A conscientious, reliable, and proactive approach to work
- Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining high standards
· A full, clean driving licence and confidence in driving estate vehicles
Desirable Attributes
· Previous experience in a supervisory or management role, or readiness to step into such a position
- Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with estate staff and owners
- A positive, professional attitude and strong work ethic
Salary and Benefits
· Salary: £38,000 – £48,000 per annum (live-out), dependent on experience
(Salary adjusted accordingly for live-in arrangements)
· Performance bonus: Twice yearly
- Use of company vehicle
- Company pension scheme
- Estate accommodation available
Working Hours
· Monday to Friday
- Some weekend work required, by arrangement
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to £48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Experience:
- Gardening: 5 years (required)
Language:
- Fluent English (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person