An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced and skilled gardener to join a high-profile 180-acre private estate near East Grinstead, East Sussex. The stunning grounds and gardens, delivered to high horticultural standards, are Grade II listed, including a 1.5-acre walled kitchen garden, an orchard, a large range of environmentally controlled glasshouses, formal terraces, fine lawns, diverse borders, landscaped lakes, ornamental pools, and extensive parkland and woodlands with valuable shrub and tree collections.
Role Overview:
Working as part of an experienced, friendly and motivated team of eight and reporting to the Foreman and Head Gardener, your primary focus will be the management and maintenance of the estate's grounds and wider landscape. This includes relevant tasks such as pedestrian and ride-on mowing, hedge cutting, strimming and brushcutting, pruning, woodland maintenance, or tractor driving. The estate is equipped with an extensive and well-maintained range of power tools, garden machinery, and vehicles. The Grounds and Gardens Team handles a broad spectrum of tasks, including productive and ornamental horticulture, and the role will also involve carrying out other gardening tasks as and when needed.
What We're Looking For:
We seek candidates with at least five years of comprehensive experience in grounds maintenance, preferably in historic country gardens, looking for a fulfilling role in a magnificent setting. You should be proficient in operating a wide range of garden machinery, all-terrain vehicles, ride-on mowers, and tractors. A well-rounded set of skills will also be welcome. Formal qualifications in horticulture and groundskeeping are beneficial, along with relevant vocational certificates such as spraying and chainsaw tickets. We need someone who is a team player, bringing dedication, professionalism, a strong work ethic, and the physical fitness required to work outdoors in all weather conditions. A valid full UK driving licence is required for this position.
What We Offer:
The successful candidate will receive an annual salary ranging from £30,000 to £35,000, based on experience and qualifications. Working hours are 37.5 per week, with 20 days of annual leave plus bank holidays. There will be occasional requirements to work outside standard hours to support busy seasonal periods, with overtime hours paid at a rate of time and a half. The estate is committed to developing staff, and the successful candidate will look forward to continual support, training, and career development.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience match the role. We look forward to hearing from you. Early applications are encouraged.
