Part-Time self-employed Gardener for work at a garden near Hampton Court Palace/ Hampton Wick

A part-time self-employed gardener, working 1 - 3 days a week, is sought to help maintain the grounds at a large private estate near Hampton Court Palace/ Hampton Wick.  The grounds are approximately 5 acres, with intensive herbaceous borders and gardens around the house, with a conservatory, orchid house and propagation greenhouse.  Wider meadows, woodland and orchard areas surround the property.

Good plant knowledge and husbandry skills are a must for this role, with a suitable horticultural qualification (RHS level 2 or equivalent).  PA1/PA6 chemical spray certificate is desirable.  You will work as part of a team or alone on tasks, always with a keen eye for detail. You will show willingness to be involved in all aspects of the garden and expectation to help with large jobs and team working as required.  You will be keen to learn and develop your skills in all aspects of the garden.  The garden team arranges flowers for the house, carries out a large amount of propagation, and grows vegetables / fruit in the garden as well.  

Key relationships

An integral member of the garden team - currently the Head Gardener, a gardener and additional part time contractors.  Reporting directly to the Head Gardener

Key skills

Passionate about excellence with a high level of detail, self motivated, hard working, practical, a team player with the ability to work alone or in a team, able to work quietly, respectful of the owner’s privacy.

The successful candidate will have a wide knowledge and experience of horticultural techniques and skills.  You will have experience of maintaining flowerbeds; planting/establishing plants; pruning shrubs; pruning and training climbers (safe ladder use); irrigation; lifting and dividing; pest, weed & disease control; grounds maintenance such as lawn and meadow maintenance; propagation and glasshouse work.  Interest/ experience in floristry is desirable.  Confident with machinery use.

This is not an exhaustive list, but represents a list of routine duties that the post holder will be required to perform on a regular basis. The post holder may be required to carry out additional duties under the direction of the Head Gardener, including occasional work at other properties when requested. 

Reliable, keen to learn, quiet and confidential with information.

A flexible approach to work is needed as often plans need to be changed at short notice.

Having experience working in a public/private/historical garden is desired.

A part time position up to 3 days a week (subject to a six-month probation period).   Currently the post holder works Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday each week (occasionally changing the days to help cover with leave – if possible).

On site training will be provided as required. Working hours are 7.30am until 4.00pm with a half-hour lunch break, Monday to Friday. We can discuss some flexibility on the hours depending on the candidate.  Some out-of-hours work might be required and this will be discussed at interview.

If you’re interested in applying for this role, please email your statement of interest and CV to <span lang="EN-US">gardens@elprivateoffice.com</span> addressing the requirements detailed in the job description above and specifications attached.  You may wish to expand on any special skills, qualifications and experience that you have gained from employment or by other means.  Please include contact details, as well as current and expected salaries.  We are looking to fill the vacancy as soon as possible.  All applicants will be notified, by approximately two weeks after closing date.

       Gardener requirements and specifications

 Requirements / responsibilities

• Minimum of ideally 2 years experience or a relevant horticultural qualification.

• A wide range of horticultural skills such as grass cutting, shrub pruning, weed & pest control, lawn maintenance, irrigation, planting/establishing plants, grounds maintenance, pruning and training climbers, glasshouse growing and propagation, flower arranging.

• Experience of using machinery.

• Good knowledge of plants.

• Work as part of a team or on your own as required to maintain the garden areas to a high standard.

• Ability to work out of doors in different weathers and to undertake some heavy work.

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The ability to work flexibly and under pressure – sometimes with limited notice to cover periods of high intensity

• Work with the head gardener and team to continue with the improvements to the garden areas.

• Take a proactive role in the security of the estate by reporting details to the Estate security office.

• Carry out any other duties of a nature consistent with this position, including possible weekend working and over public holidays (with time off in lieu).

• To maintain equipment, and work safely in line with Health & Safety requirements and legislation, reporting any repairs, defects etc. to the Head Gardener.

            PERSON SPECIFICATION