Craft Gardener
- HortiRecruit
- County Cavan, Ireland
Job Description
About the Role
HortiRecruit is delighted to present a unique and prestigious opportunity for a passionate and experienced Craft Gardener to manage a beautifully designed private estate in County Cavan.
This full-time role involves the care and ongoing development of approximately 2 acres of established gardens, which include:
- A greenhouse and raised-bed vegetable garden
- Birch woodland and structured lawns
- Ornamental borders and surrounding beds
In addition, the estate is expanding to include a 40-acre arboretum, being designed by the renowned Arabella Lennox-Boyd (designer of Airfield House Gardens in Dublin). The arboretum will feature mixed broadleaf plantings—both native and exotic species—along with landscaped paths and viewing areas for recreational use.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently manage all aspects of the existing gardens and grounds
- Maintain high horticultural standards in planting, pruning, propagation, soil care, and pest management
- Collaborate on the development of the arboretum and contribute horticultural input as the project progresses
- Maintain and operate garden machinery and irrigation systems
- Manage garden budgets and sourcing of materials
- Oversee occasional assistance from temporary staff or interns
- Ensure the gardens reflect seasonal interest, structure, and long-term sustainability
About You
The ideal candidate will be:
- Experienced: With demonstrable expertise in private estate gardening, botanical gardens, or similar high-standard horticultural settings
- Qualified: A horticultural qualification is desirable, though equivalent hands-on experience will be considered
- Self-motivated: Capable of working independently and taking full ownership of the garden’s management
- Creative and knowledgeable: With a strong understanding of plants, planting design, garden planning, and landscape care
- Project-oriented: Excited by the opportunity to contribute to the creation and stewardship of a new arboretum
- Organised and responsible: Able to manage budgets, plan maintenance schedules, and communicate professionally with estate owners
Additional Information
This is a live-in position with a high standard of accommodation and flexibility. The role may suit a couple if one partner has complementary skills or an interest in part-time involvement. A valid driver’s licence is essential.
Job Benefits
- New, private two-bedroom apartment included
- Use of a Mercedes van for business and personal use
- Potential suitability for a couple
- Access to occasional support staff or interns
Location: Private Estate, County Cavan
Employment Type: Full-time, Live-in
Salary: Generous package, commensurate with experience
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role with the subject line: Craft Gardener Application – Cavan Estate.
Apply Now
Recruitment for Horticulture
Working with Ireland & the UK's leading companies in landscape, garden retail, private gardens & edible/amenity production. Building and recruiting for your team? You need an established pool of talent in horticulture & landscape. Look no further. We are the experts and utilising the network now established 15 years of Horticulture Connected and Horticulture.Jobs we can deliver your staffing needs now and into the future.
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Combined, we have the recruitment expertise and horticultural knowledge to grow your business into a strong and robust company. We are a specialised agency who work exclusively with horticultural businesses and their recruitment needs. Couple this with our reach within the industry, and you will have access to the best talent in the marketplace.
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We work with the leading names in the industry and you working with us means you will have access to the hottest jobs when they are available.
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