Gardener

Castle Howard • Full-time • York, ENG, GB • £25,000 / year • 2m ago

Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Gardener to join our team.

Castle Howard, designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in the late 17th century, is one of the most iconic stately homes in Britain. Its 1000 acres of landscaped Park, gardens and grounds are of world renown. In addition to sweeping lawns, two lakes, cascade, fountains, formal and walled gardens the estate also boasts the finest rhododendron and azalea collection in the North of England.

The Estate is looking for a Gardener to assist in the maintenance of the designed landscape across the Grounds and within the walled gardens.

You will be maintaining high standards of garden presentation in a way sensitive to the landscape context; carry out seasonal maintenance; effectively use composting systems; propagate and tend nursery stock and potted displays, inside and out.

The ideal candidate will be conscientious, practical, have basic plant knowledge and be proficient in a range of horticultural skills. A friendly manner with visitors and a broad understanding of current health and safety legislation are also important.

Duties & Responsibilities

Maintain excellent standards of garden presentation at all times
Seasonal maintenance of informal and formal areas, including lawns, hedges and both productive and ornamental displays
Culture of nursery stock and potted displays
Upkeep and use of composting systems
Some supervision/ guidance of volunteers and students
Take a responsible approach to Health & Safety in the gardens to ensure the safety of employees, volunteers and visitors
Be prepared to cover occasional weekend duties, for instance watering greenhouses or supporting the Estate’s events
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and statutory codes of practice, as advised
Ensure all paperwork and certification required for work undertaken is fully up to date at all times
Operate in accordance with Castle Howard Health and Safety Policy at all times;

Person Specification

Essential

Knowledge & Experience

Ability to operate relevant machinery to a high standard and demonstrate necessary horticultural craft skills
Knowledge and understanding of current Health & Safety legislation
Specific and demonstrable horticultural training and/or proven experience of maintenance of ornamental and productive displays
Solid basic plantsman/womanship
Capable of undertaking all aspects of horticultural work and physical challenges of the post
Knowledge of the management of composting systems

Competencies