Assistant Gardener Winton Castle and Estate
Maternity Leave cover to December 2026
What are you here to do?
Winton Castle is an established, award-winning venue for hospitality as well as a family home so there is aspiration and support for the gardens and grounds to play a significant and memorable part in the offering to guests. Your role will be to assist the Head Gardener as part of a team to ensure the development of the gardens for the historic Winton Castle, offering year-round interest and maintaining a 'wow' factor
The setting
"Intimacy on a Grand scale" works as a strapline for the hospitality business; it should also reflect the gardens. There is scale (16 acres) offering significant variety of growing conditions and a unique micro-climate. Garden walls and tree planting contribute to the gardens being able to accommodate tender perennials, climbers & wall shrubs. There is a beautiful, historic landscape with woodland gardens, a loch, a wild garden and flower meadow; south facing terraces with a rose garden, dahlia borders and mixed herbaceous and shrub borders. The walled garden (2.5 acres) has extensive mixed borders, fruit trees and wisteria pergola, linked closely with the adjoining Potting Shed event venue such that it is well used and much admired.
In addition, there are gardens to maintain at 3 luxury holiday farmhouses - Winton Hill, Broomrigg and Winton Cottage.
Facilities and teams
* Large polytunnel & glasshouse for propagation.
* Comprehensive and well-equipped set of machinery and small tools – shared with estate grounds team.
* Supportive head gardener and grounds team around you.
The culture
* Progressive ideas are encouraged – this is not a static space or team, albeit that the day job of maintenance still needs attention with an eye for detail.
* Integration with the hospitality team is critical. Events frequently take advantage of outdoor spaces; the gardens are vital to the overall atmosphere of the castle.
* You will be expected to help raise the bar to match an important venue.
What you bring
* A willingness to get on with the job in all seasons, preferably with some experience and gardening 'know-how' of a large country house garden.
* Attention to detail and an ability to make full use of all tools and machinery.
* Health & Safety awareness.
Certification
* HNC/RHS level 2 or equivalent vocational qualifications with experience (preferable).
* Driving license valid for driving within the UK.
* PA1/6 (or willingness to train).
* Current First Aid certification (or willingness to train and use).
Liaison
The successful applicant will report to the Head Gardener.
Terms and Conditions
Hours: Your hours of work will total 39 per week (Mon-Fri) averaged over the year.
Holidays: 28 days per year including public holidays rising to 30 after 5 years.
Transport: Electric buggies and small tractor for use around the gardens/estate. For private car use on Winton business a mileage allowance will be paid.
Salary: Competitive salary, dependent upon experience.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 15 months
Pay: From £24,761.88 per year
Experience:
* Horticulture: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
* Spraying certificate PA1 & 6 (preferred)
* Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Location:
* Tranent EH34 5AT (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 19/09/2025
Expected start date: 01/10/2025