Our client is looking for a suitably qualified Head Kitchen Gardener to be responsible for the planning, development and maintenance of a recently created kitchen garden which is situated within a larger 300-acre estate. Over the past 18-months an incredible 2.5-acres of paddock has been transformed into the new kitchen garden with the view of growing seasonal vegetables, fruit and cut flowers all year round.
Within the kitchen garden are 22 raised beds, large polytunnel as well as a vast area in and around the garden that is dedicated to wildflowers to benefit the wildlife, pollinators and other insects. The kitchen garden will provide the principles with fresh produce and cut flowers, with additional produce finding its way to community shops and other community organisations, such as food banks. The aim is for all produce to be organically grown and Soil Association approved so there is minimal environmental impact with everything grown in conjunction with nature for the benefit of the wider community.
The ideal candidate will be a keen horticulturist / plant person with a good knowledge of fruit, vegetable and cut flower production. The successful candidate will be responsible for the walled garden with support available from the wider estate team during busy seasons. The Head Kitchen Gardener will participate in weekly planning meetings, assist with record keeping as well as keeping the garden, its equipment and buildings in a ‘visitor’ ready condition. The post holder will be required to liaise with the owners and Estate Manager to determine supply and demand and to plan the season accordingly.
Applications are sought from skilled gardeners with experience in kitchen gardening to experienced and knowledgeable Kitchen Gardeners who will have assumed responsibility of a varied productive garden either on a private or commercial site, with ideally a minimum of 3 years’ experience. The successful applicant will be self-motivated, genuinely enthusiastic about productive gardening, with excellent communication and time management skills. The owners want someone to take ownership of the walled garden and work with their own autonomy reporting directly to the estate manager whilst being confident liaising with the owners and consultants. Another part of the role will be collaborating with community groups, and other organisations to foster partnerships and enhance the garden’s impact.
Hours of work will be Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm, with additional weekend working required where necessary for good plant husbandry. Holiday entitlement will be 20 days plus Bank Holidays with annual leave to be taken outside of main growing seasons.
SALARY: up to £38,000 depending on experience
LOCATION: Godalming, Surrey
JOB No: EC66923
If this vacancy is of interest, please click ‘Apply for job’ below or contact Jay Rimell on 01233 733510 or email info@englishcountrygardeners.co.uk.
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Thank you for the interest you have shown in this vacancy. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not possible to respond to every one. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 14 days, your application for this vacancy has been unsuccessful.
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