Horticulturist / Gardener

MOUNT ST JOHN ESTATES, FELIXKIRK, NR THIRSK, NORTH YORKSHIRE

YO7 2DT

Horticulturalist

Competitive Salary, Contributory Pension

An attractive opportunity has arisen for a versatile and experienced or newly qualified horticulturalist to work within the gardens team on a private family estate on the North Yorkshire border.  This garden is one of the finest private gardens in the UK and was designed by Tom Stuart-Smith.

The main 12 acre garden comprises of terraced herbaceous beds, a large valley garden, fine lawns, a walled garden (producing fruit and vegetables for restaurants), a cut flower garden, shrubberies, glasshouses, and woodland garden.  The surrounding woodland, parkland and gardens of other properties attached to the estate are also maintained by the garden and estates team. There is also an equine business attached to the estate.

The ideal candidate will have strong plantsmanship and plant identification skills and show fine attention to detail. The role requires the candidate to manage herbaceous borders and carry out estate duties and matters of external presentation which would include cutting back, mulching, leaf clearing, strimming, planting, routine pruning, weed control, both  by hand and application of herbicides and mowing of lawns. The ideal candidate will have an academic horticultural qualification, ideally RHS Level 2 or equivalent and certificates in spraying (PA1/PA6)and brush-cutting. There will be frequent use of the ATV and some use of a mini tractor.

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 the needs of the estate dictate. It is essential, therefore, that you have: a full current driving licence, a flexible approach in 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 Garden Curator and the need to assist the Estate team with any wider team work as required.  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. Previous relevant experience on a country estate is desirable. The ability to work efficiently on an independent basis as well as harmoniously within a wider team is essential.  You would possess a positive attitude and be able to engage with a diverse range of colleagues and have the ability and desire to work outdoors in all weathers and to engage in physically demanding work.

You should have experience of working within a private estate environment within a team and autonomously.  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 40 hours on a Monday to Friday basis, with occasional weekends on a rota basis during summer. Seasonal working hours range from 8am to 5pm during summer going over to 8am to 4pm in winter. A contributory workplace pension is provided as well as 20 days holidays plus bank holidays. The ability to work overtime is also available.

About you;

To be successful in this role you should be able to demonstrate the below:

• Trained as a professional gardener/horticulturalist with a good level of practical experience.
• RHS Level 2 or equivalent.
• Have proven practical gardening/horticulture experience, as well as a good knowledge of plants.
• Competence with machinery/equipment use and maintenance; ideally including mini tractors, pedestrian and ride-on mowers with accreditation as required for Health and Safety compliance.

ACCOMMODATION:  Available for the right candidate

SALARY:  IRO £26,000  Dependent on Experience

Application deadline: 16/12/25

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £25,000.00-£27,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• On-site parking

Experience:

• Gardening: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person