Head Groundsperson

**Rossway Park Estate is a 1000 acre country estate located in Berkhamsted. The property has a history dating back to the 17th century and we are currently rejuvenating and expanding the operations on the property which include commercial and residential rental, retail, farming, and hospitality. There’s an exciting and new management team in place that are equal parts performance, people and purpose driven. A healthy culture is core to our decisions and top of mind as we build the team. The right people to join us would be comfortable in a vibrant and energetic environment, are conscientious in tasks, like working with small supportive teams, like doing a variety of activities, and desire to help and support their teammates. If that sounds like you, we’d love to meet you.**

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Description of the Role:
We are looking for a Head Groundsman to lead our team in providing quality landscaping and handyman work to the beautiful grounds, buildings and gardens at our family owned rural estate. The Head Groundsman will need to be able to manage and inspire our gardeners and groundsmen, offering advice and guidance. In addition, a well mannered person who is also happy to help the family and residences as and when needed.
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Primarily, you’ll be responsible for the day to day maintenance and development of the grounds and wider landscapes of the Estate, along with assisting in general Estate work as needed. You’ll work closely with the Estate Office taking direction and assisting in developing maintenance plans and work schedules. While the work is predominantly garden focused the job requires engagement in other tasks associated with the Estate or other entities associated with the Estate.
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This position will suit someone who loves the country life and would enjoy living and working in a beautiful location surrounded by parkland. Someone friendly, flexible, with a good work ethic, and easy to get along with manner is essential to fit in with the team on the Estate.

**Responsibilities**:
The position of Head Groundsman is crucial to ensuring that the first and visual impression our clients and visitors get of the Estate is mesmerising. In addition, the main house gardens need to be of an exceptional standard. There are three parts to the Estate - the main house grounds, the commercial side, and the forestry. You will have a small team to manage, get the best out of and ensure high standards are met.
- Ensure all seasonal planting is carried out.
- Ensure hedges are trimmed correctly
- Ensure lawns are cut and maintained to look exceptional
- All the grounds (residential and commercial) are kept at a high standard
- Fields to cut and manage
- Weeds to be managed
- Build compost piles and make compost
- Build planters and wall baskets using the wood we have on the Estate
- Build up/propagate our own stock of plants and flowers for the summer planters
- Design bedding and carry out glass house propagation
- Manage, maintain and develop all the equipment levels on the Estate
- Ensure machinery is used in the correct manner, cared for and clean properly before it's put away
- Ensure all equipment is maintained to a high standard and staff are trained to operate the equipment safely
- Maintain the vehicles used by the gardeners to a high standard of operation and cleanliness
- Operate the tractor and ensure it, the trailer and the grass cutter are kept in good order
- Work with Estate management on various grounds projects that come up.
- Manage your team to perform daily duties as required by you.
- Develop a team that is knowledgeable, fun to work with and efficient

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Who do we need?
- Minimum of 3 years groundskeeping experience
- Level 3 chainsaw maintenance and felling
- Spraying pa1/pa6
- Experience of operating ride-on lawnmowers, vans, atv’s, and various other machinery
- Confidence in leading and motivating a team, and a hands-on team player
- Computer literate and with a good understanding of Microsoft or Google Suites, with the ability to adapt to technology
- Undertake work related to development projects in the garden and wider landscape.
- Supervise contract workers when required, taking responsibility for health and safety along with welfare requirements and preparing and assessing risk assessments and method statements prior to work beginning.

What can we offer?
- Great team experience
- Beautiful and peaceful workplace
- Working for a warm and caring family
- Competitive salary
- Family run and growing local business
- Training & Development Opportunities
- Guaranteed contract and hours
- Live in or out
- Optional Accommodation

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**Salary**: £26,000.00-£28,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- On-site parking

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Berkhamsted, HP4 3TZ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)