SENIOR GARDENER JOB - Harrogate, North Yorkshire

A fantastic opportunity for a talented gardener who is looking for a new job and a step towards a managerial position.

Key areas of responsibility and deliverables expected:

You will be responsible for the care, upkeep and continued improvements of our client’s prestigious, large-scale, private family gardens and estates and the management of a team of under gardeners and sub contracted gardeners. You will be responsible in assisting the Operations Manager plan work schedules and assist with the daily running of the company.

OUR COMPANY

Accredited by BALI, Grant Horticulture Ltd is a dynamic horticulture led garden design, build and management company, based in Harrogate, with over 25 years of experience. We are a growing, friendly company. Our reputation is founded in our dedication and attention to detail, as well as our skilled, personable work force.

OUR VALUES

We’re a diverse team, and we all share the same core values. If you’re a talented landscape professional who believes trust, excellence, and creativity matter, we’d love to hear from you. Dean Bolton-Grant, founder of Grant Horticulture Ltd has worked in horticulture for over 25 years, Dean’s focus has always been to deliver an excellent horticultural service to all our clients.

Our products and services include garden design, landscaping, garden care and management and the supply of plants and associated materials. We endeavour to work in harmony with the natural environment. Wherever feasible we aim to work with the priority being to help nature thrive... we don’t do Astro-turf!

Our objective is to deliver exceptional service to our clients. We work with our sister companies, Urban Grow and The Northern School of Gardening so that all commercial and service opportunities can be maximised.

The role includes:

Utilising your highly developed horticultural skills covering a range of procedures such as:

• Topiary pruning

• Growing vegetables utilising greenhouses and walled gardens

• Manage top and soft fruit.

• Identify pest and disease issues within planting and turf and manage accordingly.

• Pruning and staking of herbaceous borders

• Where appropriate to service delivery demonstrate manual skills and dexterity such as mulching beds, turning compost heaps.

• Work to a high standard as demonstrated by the level of horticultural qualification you have attained.

• Plant identification skills and a clear understanding of how best to manage the plants within the gardens to ensure the gardens are displayed to the highest of horticultural standards at all times using the appropriate methods of work.

• Ensure borders and pathways are weed free.

• Plan and prioritise your workloads according to the seasons, weather, garden conditions and client requests.

• Supervise and motivate others and also be prepared to share your knowledge with those less skilled than yourself.

• Record works carried out and manage a small budget.

• Identifying potential improvements within the gardens and highlighting these to the company owner.

• You will be passionate about our clients gardens and will act quickly on commercial opportunities and customer feedback.

• You will plan the workload of yourself and our small team.

• You will liaise with the Operations Manager about future projects.

Scope for progression and promotion:

We are a dynamic and growing company and are always looking to recruit and promote staff internally.

Reporting to:

Operations Manager, other key interactions include liaising with clients and estate managers.

Location and travel:

We are based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Our client’s properties are located throughout Yorkshire. Work further afield maybe required at the companies discretion and will be compensated for accordingly.

Hours and Benefits:

• Working hours are normally Monday to Friday 0730 to 1630, however flexibility is needed.

Holiday

Holiday allowance is 20 days per year + Public holidays. Between Christmas and the New Year the company will be closed and these days (usually 3-4) are in addition to your holiday allowance

Benefits

· Birthday may be taken as an additional day off (this is in addition to your holiday allowance)

· Company pension with 5% contribution from Grant Horticulture

· Ability to purchase stock from Urban Grow at wholesale price + VAT (after 1 year employment)

· Subsidised cost of cultural / sporting event per quarter up to the value of £50 (e.g.Museum/Gallery/Sports match etc.)

Person specification

Education and training:

Essential

Minimum RHS level 3 Horticulture/ Higher National Diploma in Horticulture

Pa1 & Pa6 spraying certificates

Computer literate

Desirable

Chainsaw operative license. If not in possession of certificate demonstrate a willingness to gain.

Experience of risk assessments.

User of Macs

Knowledge & Experience:

Essential

Full, clean UK driving license

Proven experience of managing a large private garden.

Proven leadership skills.

Sound knowledge of plant propagation.

Proven management skills along with evidence of managing and inspiring a small team of gardeners.

An up to date understanding of current herbicides, pesticides, fertilisers available for commercial use.

Knowledge and practical application of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Competent in the safe handling and operation of various types of machinery and gardening equipment including hedge cutters, leaf blowers, streamers and lawn mowers.

Due to the remote nature of some of the gardens we care for the post holder must posses personal transport and hold a clean, full UK driving licence.

Soft skills and personality traits:

Essential

You must be self-motivated, energetic and be able to work alone and as part of a team.

Great communication skills are essential.

You will have a creative and artistic eye and brilliant inter-personal skills to lead our team of gardeners.

You must be commercially aware and be able to pick up on cues from clients with regards to investing in their gardens and poses the ability to make suggestions for improvements to the gardens we manage.

You will have a proven track record of managing budgets, finances and small projects.

You will possess an approachable, smart, enthusiastic and warm demeanour.

You will possess an air of professionalism, be of calm disposition and also be discreet.

You will have strong organisational, communication and administration skills which will ensure you have the ability to lead, motivate and promote smooth working relationships and encourage cooperation amongst the team.

A willingness to learn.

APPLY

For further details and to apply for this role please email your CV and covering letter to gardens@granthorticulture.com