Lead Gardener

Damien Keane Garden Design Ltd is based between Gorey and Arklow on the Wicklow/Wexford border. The company specialises in the design, construction, and ongoing care of bespoke private gardens, ranging from small townhouse spaces to large garden estates. While the majority of projects are located in South Dublin, the company also works with clients in County Wexford.

They are currently seeking to recruit a Garden Aftercare & Soft Landscaping Manager / Lead Gardener to join their team.

Job Specification:

• To work alongside, manage and inspire our garden aftercare team to deliver the high standards held by the company.

• Carry out day-to-day gardening/planting:

• Grass cutting, pruning, weeding, raking, watering, etc.

• Planting, both as part of garden aftercare and mass planting as part of larger garden installation jobs.

• Assist the hard landscaping team as necessary.

• Scheduling/organising:

• Scheduling aftercare visits to our clients’ gardens while keeping within the agreed number and duration of visits outlined in the clients’ contracts.

• Managing seasonal required tasks and activities such as pruning, bedding, etc.

• Adapting schedules as necessary due to weather conditions, staff absence, etc.

• Service Monitoring:

• Liaising with existing clientele - Taking on the client-facing roles, managing, maintaining, and improving client relations

• Create and continually review maintenance schedules for each site.

• Ensure that work is carried out to a high standard and communicate with clients to see that they are satisfied with the service they are receiving. Where service levels are below acceptable standards, act immediately to remedy the situation.

• Stock Control:

• Ensuring maintenance vehicles have the required tools and stocks of compost, mulch, chemicals, etc. on board.

• Monitoring stock levels and procurement of additional stock as required.

• Ensuring that all tools are in good working order and are replaced/repaired where necessary in a timely fashion.

• Flexibility:

• Ability to work in other parts of the company as required – nursery work, landscaping, surveying, etc.

• Partake in yard work before and after normal work hours when required.

Requirements:

• A recognised horticultural qualification and/or 4 years of gardening experience.

• Current Safe Pass and Manual Handling certification.

• Previous supervisory experience in garden aftercare and soft landscaping is essential.

• Proven horticultural knowledge and communication skills.

• Comprehensive plant knowledge.

• Ability to work well within a team.

• Ability to motivate and communicate with operational teams effectively.

• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to communicate and liaise with other members of our team and our clientele effectively.

• Strong time management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks under tight schedules and to prioritise and multitask with a clear ability to focus on detail.

• Residing within a 40-45 minutes’ drive from Coolgreany, Co. Wexford or willing to relocate closer to our base.

• Full clean driving licence.

• Trailer licence preferred, but not essential.

• Understanding of Health and Safety compliance.

Previous Experience:

• 4 years+ experience and knowledge in the following;

• Gardening

• Pruning

• Pest and disease control

• Planting

• Irrigation

• Water features

• Turf care

• Use of horticultural machinery

• Experience in supervising and managing teams.

We are offering:

• A full-time contract after a probationary period.

• A basic working week of 40 hours, Monday to Friday.

• Overtime pay, where necessary, at time and a half.

• Career advancement in a rapidly expanding, high-end landscaping & gardening company.