We are seeking reliable, conscientious, and highly motivated Gardeners to join our dedicated team maintaining the stunning 35-acre formal gardens and grounds of our 18th Century Estate, nestled in the heart of Dorset.
About the Estate:
Originally designed by the Hanbury Family between 1915 and 1922, our gardens offer year-round interest with two National Plant Collections, sweeping lawns, lakeside walks all set within a Capability Brown-style parkland. The grounds also include sports lawns, recreational grass areas, and footpaths used daily by students, staff, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities:
• Maintain formal gardens, lawns, and parkland to a high standard.
• Carry out horticultural tasks including planting, pruning, weeding, and mulching.
• Operate and maintain handheld machinery and grounds maintenance equipment.
• Assist with the upkeep of sports lawns and recreational areas.
• Work independently and as part of a team to ensure the estate remains a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment.
Essential Requirements:
• Full, clean UK driving licence.
• Experience driving light commercial vehicles and towing trailers.
• Proven experience in grounds maintenance and horticultural work.
• Competence in using handheld and ride-on machinery (e.g., strimmers, hedge cutters, mowers).
• A proactive, can-do attitude with a willingness to learn and take initiative.
Desirable:
• Horticultural qualifications or training.
• Certificate of competence for chainsaw use, tree climbing, PA6a or other relevant industry tickets.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a friendly and passionate team, working in one of Dorset’s most beautiful and historic landscapes.
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the preservation and development of a unique estate.
The college doesn’t hold a sponsorship licence therefore we are not open to candidates who require sponsorship under the points-based system.
Status: Permanent
Hours: 39 hours per week 8:00am – 4:30pm worked over Monday – Friday, with weekend glasshouse/nursery duties to be worked on a rota basis.
Salary: £24,829 per annum
Campus Location: Kingston Maurward, Dorchester
To Apply:
Please visit the website for the full Job Description and College Application Form.
Applicants for this position must complete an employment application form. CVs may be submitted but only in support of a fully completed application form.
We are not accepting CVs at this stage from Recruitment Agencies.
The Closing Date for Applications: Friday 25 July 2025 at 12 noon
Proposed Interview Date: To be confirmed
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