Our clients, based in Devon, are seeking a dedicated and experienced Permanent Live-out Grounds Manager. They are looking for someone to help care for their garden, maintain their home, and support future plans for animals and outdoor structures. This is a long-term role for someone who loves plants, nature, and enjoys hands-on, purposeful work in a peaceful, private environment.
Key Responsibilities to include but not limited to:
Garden Design and Ecological Vision:
1. Design, develop and maintain new gardens, borders and planting schemes with an emphasis on biodiversity, native species and habitat creation
2. Advise on and implement sustainable practices to restore soil health, attract wildlife and reduce our environmental impact
3. Help source and coordinate specialist tradespeople to support large-scale projects (e.g. replacing concrete with flower beds, designing a lake, creating wildlife corridors)
Gardening & Landscape Maintenance:
4. Lawn care: mowing, edge trimming, seasonal feeding, scarifying, weed control, and reseeding
5. Beds & borders: weeding, deadheading, pruning, soil conditioning, mulching, and seasonal planting
6. Shrubs & hedges: shaping, pruning, and managing overgrowth or disease
7. Light tree care: light pruning and monitoring for disease/structural issues
8. Paths & patios: blowing leaves, washing surfaces, controlling weeds
9. Green waste: composting or removing debris, chipping/mulching when needed
10. Planters/greenhouse: watering, feeding, refreshing, pest watch
11. Wildlife & sustainability: use of natural methods, habitat-friendly planting, composting, and irrigation systems
12. Landscape projects: gravel/mulch top-ups, plant relocation, coordinating with specialists
13. Design and maintain pollinator-friendly plantings
14. Use of organic and non-toxic methods wherever possible
15. Assist in the creation of a natural swimming pond or small lake
Home Repairs & DIY Tasks:
16. Minor repairs around the home (eg, broken windows, doors, drawers)
17. Occasional support with small builds like a chicken coop or fenced animal area
18. Maintain driveways, paths and patios (sweeping, jet washing, leaf clearing)
Animal Care (Future):
19. Assist with caring for future pets: cats, dogs, chickens, donkeys, bees
20. Help maintain animal shelters and outdoor enclosures
Candidate Requirements:
21. Highly experienced in gardening and plant care
22. Professional, discreet, and respectful of privacy
23. Attentive to detail and able to work independently
24. Comfortable around fine art and delicate furnishings
25. Kind, reliable, and eager to care for a property like it’s your own
Preferred Experience:
26. Previous work on estates, farms, or with animals
27. Skills in landscape design and basic carpentry
Requirements:
28. Minimum 3–4 years of gardening/handyperson experience in private households
29. Non-smoker preferred
30. Use of non-toxic, environmentally friendly products whenever possible