Experienced Gardener

A private estate in County Wicklow is seeking an Experienced Gardener to join its Gardening team. Working as part of a dedicated Gardening team, the successful candidate will help achieve the highest standards of horticulture, ensuring the gardens are beautifully presented, carefully maintained and consistently kept to an exceptional standard. Reporting to the Head Gardener, you will support the ongoing maintenance, presentation and development of the Estate gardens.

The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues to ensure the gardens are presented to the highest possible standard throughout the year. The successful candidate will need to have a good general knowledge of practical horticulture and be prepared to take a hands-on approach. The role will include a broad range of gardening duties, including growing fruit, vegetables and flowers, maintaining beds and borders, and training plants. Experience using a range of garden machinery, including ride-on and pedestrian mowers, strimmers and hedge cutters, is essential. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Propagating, growing and maintaining borders
• Planting and maintaining seasonal flower displays.
• Undertaking weeding, leaf clearance, hedge maintenance and topiary.
• Caring for planters, pots and bedding plants.
• Feeding and pruning plants, including roses, climbers and fruit trees.
• Training and staking plants.
• Supporting planting work, including herbaceous planting and dividing.
• Carrying out spraying for pest, disease and weed control.
• Growing and pruning vegetables, herbs and soft fruit.
• Carrying out grass care and maintenance, including lawn mowing.
• Helping others with their areas where needed.
• Developing and maintaining positive working relationships across the Estate.
• Contributing to garden projects as directed by the Head Gardener.

About you

• You will be a skilled gardener or horticulturalist with a wide range of experience in high-quality settings, including the tasks listed above.
• Relevant qualifications are desirable, such as RHS Level 2 certificates, a diploma or equivalent qualification such as an NVQ.
• Broad practical knowledge of:
  • Amenity Horticulture
  • Kitchen and vegetable gardens
  • Herbaceous planting
  • Seasonal displays
  • Topiary and formal gardens
  • Lawns, trees and ornamental planting
  • Nursery propagation
• A keen eye for detail, with an appreciation and understanding of colour, form and aesthetics in the garden, is essential.
• Spraying certificate desirable PA1 & PA6 (training will be provided where necessary).
• Some knowledge of biological control and organic pest control is desirable.
• Able to work in a tidy, safe manner and maintain tools and equipment.
• Able to demonstrate a professional manner with excellent organisational skills.
• Confident communication skills, with the ability to interact with different individuals.
• Proactive and flexible approach to work.
• Strong sense of discretion, appreciating the confidentiality of the work.
• Ability to work autonomously, whilst possessing strong teamwork skills.
• Keen to suggest improvements to ways of working and a willingness to embrace new working practices.
• A valid Irish driving licence.
• Eligibility to work in Ireland.
• Excellent checkable references

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A current Curriculum Vitae.
• A covering letter outlining their relevant experience and suitability for the role. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and, where appropriate, to visit the estate as part of the selection process

What we offer

• A competitive salary
• 21 days annual leave
• Regular Personal and Professional Development Opportunities
• A rewarding, caring working environment in a stunning location with beautiful surroundings
• Employee Assistance Programme