Head Gardener

Birchwood Tree and Estate Management set up business 5 years ago and it has rapidly grown with the help of a fantastic team who all bring individual specialties to the company. This job role offers the opportunity to be a part of an exciting company which continues to grow and lead the way in estate and garden management.

Our business strives for excellence in everything that we do. We work with high-net-worth individuals who own beautiful large properties, estates and gardens, and as a team, we maintain these proprieties to the highest of standards. Loyalty, reliability and having a professional and proactive approach are absolutely essential skills required to join the team.

The Senior Gardener will have good communication and customer service skills, a positive attitude, self-motivated and with high attention to detail. It is important that they are reliable, punctual and well-presented.

**Skills Essential to the Role**:

- A current full UK clean driving license for a manual vehicle.
- Significant practical experience (2 years or more) in horticulture, supported by appropriate horticultural qualifications
- Good knowledge of plant husbandry and horticultural techniques.
- Some knowledge of the conservation of historic landscapes
- Experience of leading and participating in garden activities and events.
- Supervisory skills, able to manage other members of the team
- Ability to understand the approach needed to reward, recognise and motivate colleagues.
- Some knowledge of budgets and finance.
- Competence with machinery/equipment use and maintenance including tractors, trailers, chippers, chainsaws and pedestrian mowers with accreditation as required for Health and Safety compliance
- Knowledge of Health and Safety & Compliance requirements.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- To ensure that the mechanical condition and security of vehicles and machinery used in operations is maintained in a safe and secure manner and that any defects, damage or breakdowns are reported promptly
- Ability to respond to emergency situations in a calm and decisive manner
- Ability to communicate in a clear and polite manner with colleagues, clients and members of the public.
- To work outdoors at all times of the year in all weather conditions
- To understand work requirements and work to deadlines.

Other preferable skills are UK drivers’ license with BE entitlement (trailer) and first aid certification.

Where the employee is qualified to drive company vehicles and tow company trailers, he/she may be required to carry out the following additional duties:

- To drive any Company vehicle in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and Company procedures.
- To clean vehicles and plant assigned to you and keep the vehicle in a tidy condition.
- To ensure vehicles and plant are prepared ready for out of hours emergencies.
- To perform minor maintenance tasks on the vehicles, as necessary.
- Ability to undertake basic vehicle checks and to identify maintenance needs.

This exciting opportunity comes with:

- An attractive salary
- Discretionary end of year bonus
- 25 days paid holiday a year
- Government pension scheme
- All PPE, equipment and workwear provided
- Continuous professional development (CPD) and overtime prospects

Please Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the business.

**Salary**: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Overtime

Supplemental pay types:

- Tips

**Experience**:

- Gardening: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

- Sussex (required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Sussex: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Birchwood