Senior Gardener - Harrogate, United Kingdom - Grant Horticulture Ltd

Description

Senior Gardener


Reporting to:

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


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.

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.

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.


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 1600, however flexibility is needed.

Holiday

• Holiday allowance is 28 days per year including Public holidays. Between Christmas and the New Year the company will be closed and these days (usually 34) 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
Experience of risk assessments.

Use 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 under