Careers on the Gorhambury Estate

Part-time Gardener:

A rare opportunity has arisen on a beautiful private estate located close to St Albans, Hertfordshire for an experienced gardener role. This position would suit a presentable and time-served gardener with demonstrable experience of working on private estate gardens.

The property spans 1500 acres in total, of which 4 acres is managed as formal gardens. Large expanses of lawn are interspersed with mature trees, ornamental shrubs, plants, herbaceous borders and sculptures. The gardens include a vegetable garden and cutting garden, sauna/spa garden and walled orchard. There are both lawn and surfaced tennis courts and a swimming pool included within the family’s gardens.

Currently a full time head gardener and a part time gardener ensure the Tom Stuart-Smith designed planting aspect of the site is maintained on an on-going basis alongside a full time groundskeeper who maintains the lawns. The role will require the successful candidate to work as part of a team and independently to maintain a high standard of horticultural practices.

From time to time the successful candidate may also be required to help with flowers for the house and other tasks in the recently refurbished Grade II* Listed neo-Palladian style mansion.

Applicants should have a demonstrable background in horticulture and possess a good level of competency in the operation and basic maintenance of garden machinery. Academic horticultural qualifications are beneficial but not essential, as are spray certificates (PA1/PA6). Candidates must be presentable, positive in their approach to the job at hand and be able to apply excellent attention to detail at all times.

In return for your commitment to the role and the estate, a annum salary is offered of £12,753.00 per annum over a 15 hour week, with a statutory pension scheme. Seasonal variation in work hours may apply during periods of very hot or cold weather, for example hours of work could be 8am-4:30pm during winter and 8am-3:30pm during summer seasons. Some weekend working will be required.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced gardener to work on a beautiful private estate in a sought-after part of the country, on a permanent part-time basis.

Gardener applicants must have:

• Some experience in a similar role is essential
• A horticultural qualification is desired, but not essential
• A love and enthusiasm for plants and gardens and a desire to learn and develop
• A driver’s licence essential

You will be expected to:

• Be punctual and tidy in appearance
• Have good communication skills both written and verbal
• Enjoy being part of a close-knit team as well as being able to show initiative

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and covering letter to admin@grimstontrust.co.uk