Gardener

Logie House Gardens are situated in the north of Scotland, near Forres, 30 miles east of Inverness. Within the extensive wooded policies the 5 - 6 acre traditional walled garden has been developed since 1991 creating woodland areas, burnside planting, and contemporary bold borders providing places for a wide variety of plants to thrive. As with any garden it will continue to change and develop as time moves on. Privately owned and open to the public every day, the garden is the source of many plants propagated for sale in the Logie Steading Farm & Garden Shop. We specialise in finding, and growing, unusual plants that thrive in the Scottish climate. The gardens are not organic but we like to work with nature, and garden extensively with as little chemical intervention as possible whilst keeping the plants healthy and presenting an attractive scene for the visitor. Our soil is light, and acidic, and the rainfall is less than 30 inches a year; we take care with soil structure and mulch during winter, using home-made leaf mould and compost, and bought in bark chip etc.

In the most sheltered part of the garden we have a small veg plot with raised beds and a fruit cage growing veg and fruit for the family.

Next to the veg plot we run a small nursery: potting shed, greenhouse, cold frames, wetbeds and polytunnel. We have used peat free potting media for over 12 years.

We are seeking an experienced gardener to join and guide our small hardworking garden team on a full-time basis. Predominantly the work will be in the walled garden and nursery but there will also be work in the policies and other parts of Logie, especially in the winter.

**Qualifications/Experience**
- Formal horticultural training to RHS level 2 or equivalent, as a minimum.
- Qualification in spraying and chain sawing an advantage.
- Clean driving licence.
- Competence in using and maintaining horticultural machinery and equipment.
- Broad range of handyman skills
- At least two years relevant experience in horticulture; previous relevant experience on a rural estate is desirable.

You should be willing and capable of receiving on-the job training as required to develop new skills and expand the duties of the post as needs dictate. It is essential, therefore, that you have: a full current driving license, a flexible approach to working, a basic knowledge of site health and safety, a proven ability to work as part of a team or alone. There would be close co-operation with the gardens and estate team under the direction of the owners; and you may, occasionally, be needed to assist the wider estate team.  You would take proper care of all the estate equipment and resources and ensure that these are left tidy, washed down, clean and secure when not in use. The ability to work efficiently on an independent basis as well as harmoniously within a wider team is essential, with the ability to supervise other paid and volunteer staff. You would have a positive attitude, be able to engage with a range of colleagues, have the ability and desire to work outdoors in all weathers, and to engage in physically demanding work.

You are, of course, personable, presentable, honest, reliable and flexible, giving attention to detail whilst retaining a wide vision.  Mutual trust and loyalty are essential.

The working week consists of an average of 40 hours on a Monday to Friday basis, with some weekends worked on a Time Off In Lieu basis during summer. Working hours are 8-4.30 but seasonally range from 8am - 5 pm during summer reducing to 8.30am - 4pm in winter.

**Salary**: £28,000 - £32,000 dependent on experience.

Auto enrolment pension, and 28 days (includes national holidays) paid holiday

**Salary**: £28,000.00-£32,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability

**Experience**:

- Gardening: 2 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (required)

Ability to Commute:

- Forres (preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

- Forres: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Experienced Gardener for Logie House Gardens