Gardener

Senior Estate Gardener and Maintenance Operative

* Near Newbury, Berkshire

* £32,500 - £38,000

* Monday - Friday 0800 - 16.30

Our client is seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Estate Gardener & Maintenance Operative to join their team.

This role involves maintaining the landscape, gardens and infrastructure of the estate to an exceptional standard. The role requires a proactive, hands-on individual who takes ownership of the estate's presentation and systems, working closely with the Head Gardener and wider estate team, as well as independently where required, to deliver precise, high-quality results.

Responsibilities

This is a varied, hands-on role and the following are typical duties. The list is not exhaustive, and the successful candidate will be expected to take initiative, identify issues proactively, and respond to the evolving needs of the estate. The role involves working collaboratively with the Head Gardener and estate team on a daily basis, alongside the ability to work independently when required.

· Carry out comprehensive garden maintenance including pruning, planting, weeding, and lawn care to ensure the estate grounds are kept in pristine condition

· Operate hand tools, power tools, and irrigation systems safely and efficiently for various gardening tasks

· Maintain and repair irrigation systems to optimise water efficiency and plant health

· Assist with landscape projects such as planting new beds, installing features, and seasonal displays

· Monitor plant health, identify pests or diseases, and implement appropriate treatment measures

· Perform general estate maintenance including clearing pathways, mulching, and managing waste disposal

· Collaborate with team members to plan seasonal garden rotations and special projects

· Ensure safety procedures are adhered to at all times during all gardening activities

Landscape & Garden Maintenance (approximately 20+ hours per week):

· Maintain all formal lawns to a very high standard, including double-striping weekly from March to November

· Operate flail mower over open areas and wide paths (fortnightly, approximately 4 hours per session)

· Trim and maintain hedges throughout the estate

· Manage outer grass areas and keep estate boundaries tidy

· Undertake tree management work, including some felling and trimming (with appropriate certification)

· Maintain estate to a very high standard of tidiness including leaf collection, blowing, and power washing

· Work collaboratively on landscaping projects including bulb and tree planting, reshaping grass edges, and installing underground irrigation systems

Pool & Pond Management (approximately 1 hour daily, plus seasonal deep cleans)

Daily tasks (season dependent):

· Swimming pool: chlorine level checks, brushing steps, cleaning/changing robot bags

· Natural pond: brushing steps, cleaning robot basket, checking water levels

Weekly tasks:

· Water softener salt top-up (typically Fridays, more frequently during peak usage)

· Gas level checks (tanks by East Pavilion)

· Pond filters and skimmers: regular monitoring with weekly cleaning

Quarterly (or more frequent) tasks:

· Water softener filter changes (more frequently during high-usage periods)

Seasonal tasks:

· Pond deep clean (typically twice yearly): cleaning filter sponges, replacing UV bulbs, replacing pond logs and water cleanser blocks, hoovering floor and walls

· Periodic pool maintenance including backwashing and system checks

Infrastructure & Property Maintenance (approximately 10 hours per week)

· Maintain fencing to keep property secure from animals, pests, and unauthorised access

· Undertake fence repairs and general property maintenance

· Monitor and maintain ground wells, ensuring continuous operation (no mains water supply)

· Maintain and operate irrigation and sprinkler systems

· Implement summer watering regimes across lawns and planting as required

· Collect fallen branches and debris across the estate

· Maintain paths and access routes (filling dips, adding materials as required)

· Tidy storage areas and undertake periodic deep cleaning

· Prepare and maintain machinery for seasonal use (cleaning, sharpening, greasing – servicing carried out by external contractor)

· Meet with contractors and liaise with Estate Manager as required

· Work as part of a small, hands-on estate team to deliver daily tasks and larger projects collaboratively

Vineyard Support (variable hours depending on season and specialist input)

· Spray vines every 10–14 days from April to September (PA3 desirable or willingness to train)

· Maintain vineyard lawns and surrounding areas, including regular mowing during the growing season

· Support Head Gardener with vineyard management tasks as directed

Seasonal & Project Work

Winter focus:

· Fence repairs and tree work (access permitting)

· Lawn renovations including scarifying and top-dressing

· Bulb and tree planting

· Reshaping grass edges

· Installation of irrigation systems

· Machinery preparation and servicing coordination

· General estate improvement projects

Spring/Summer focus:

· Intensive lawn maintenance programme

· Vineyard spraying schedule

· Pool and pond daily maintenance regime

· Hedge trimming and boundary management

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

· Full UK driving licence

· Strong practical experience operating tractors and garden machinery (or equivalent)

· Good communication skills and ability to liaise professionally with contractors and estate management

· Ability to manage and plan workload independently

· Strong problem-solving skills

· Physical fitness suitable for outdoor manual work in all weathers

· Excellent attention to detail and pride in delivering high-quality work

· Knowledge and application of health and safety regulations

· Basic IT and record-keeping ability

Preferred (training can be provided for the right candidate):

· Formal gardening or horticultural training, or demonstrable hands-on experience in garden maintenance

· PA1 & PA6 certifications (or willingness to obtain within an agreed timeframe)

· PA3 certification for vineyard spraying

· Chainsaw safe handling certification

· Tractor and ride-on mower competence certification

· Pool or water system maintenance experience

· Experience working on private estates or similar high-end environments

· Drone operation capability (where required and appropriately licensed)

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Regular operation of machinery including (or equivalent):

Tractors:

· John Deere (loader operation, trailer work, flail mowing)

· Vineyard tractor (spraying, vine work)

Mowers:

· Iseki ride-on mower

· Zero-turn mower

Powered Equipment:

· Backpack sprayers (with appropriate certification)

· Strimmers/trimmers

· Leaf blowers

· Chainsaw (certified use only)

· Stihl multi-tool system

· General power tools

WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

· Contracted hours: 45 hours per week

· Typical pattern: 8am–4:30pm Monday–Friday (with reasonable seasonal flexibility)

· Breaks: 2 x 30-minute breaks per day (paid)

· Probation period: 6 months

· Cover arrangements: Duties shared within estate team, with contractor support where required

· Emergency callouts: Occasional and infrequent

· Seasonal variation: Workload varies across the year in line with estate needs

If you have the relevant skills and experience for this role and you are looking for a new challenge - please send me us CV. We would love to hear from you.

Please call Kate on (phone number removed) for more details