About the Role We are seeking a dedicated, versatile Skilled Gardener to join our coastal estate team, located 20 miles from Oban. This role offers a unique opportunity to manage a landscape that upholds traditional horticultural excellence while being driven by conservation and regenerative principles. The 30-acre garden operates within our charitable framework to care for plants of high conservation value, including those in our Himalayan Garden and the Chilean Arboretum. As part of a small team, you will be responsible for maintaining formal gardens, herbaceous borders, and productive areas, while upholding the garden's high aesthetic standards. Beyond general gardening duties, we are looking for a candidate with experience working with vegetables and fruit. You will also play a key role in balancing the elegance of a classical garden with efforts to protect our local West Coast ecosystem. We are also a working estate, and the successful candidate will be expected to work with other departments (including basic livestock checks). The skilled gardener reports to the Head Gardener and follows instructions from the First Gardener on the ground. Key Responsibilities Regenerative Horticulture: Implement "no-dig" methods, integrated pest management, and composting systems. Conservation & Biodiversity: Manage wildflower meadows and native plantings to support local ecosystems. Look after plants with conservation value, including ICCP conifers and Rhododendron species. Estate Maintenance: General pruning, herbaceous border care, and lawn maintenance using sustainable machinery. Kitchen Garden: Managing all aspects of vegetable, fruit, and herb production, from seed to harvest. Coastal Resilience: Adapt gardening techniques to the high rainfall and salt spray of the West Coast. Requirements Experience: Minimum 3 years in professional gardening, with a proven interest in regenerative gardening and conservation. Qualifications: RHS Level 2 or equivalent are desirable. Skills: Strong plant ID and proficiency with garden and estate machinery. Attributes: Resilient and comfortable working outdoors in all seasonal Scottish weather. Remuneration & Benefits Salary: £29 000 – £32 000, based on experience and qualifications. Pension: Access to a generous company pension scheme. Uniform: Full high-quality working uniform and PPE provided. Professional Development: Ongoing training opportunities, including support for relevant horticultural qualifications and specialist courses. Work-Life Balance: 40 hours per week; permanent, full-time contract. Weekend work is required in a rotational system. Home - Kilchoan Melfort Trust, Argyll, Oban, Scotland