Assistant gardener





Now Hiring - September 2022



The Mellerstain Trust wishes to recruit a motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Gardener to join a newly formed grounds and garden team. Mellerstain House and Gardens is a historic visitor attraction, set within 100 acres of landscaped parkland, watercourse and woodland overlooking the Cheviot hills. The garden consists of Italianate terraces, herbaceous borders and wildflower meadows.


Working with commitment and energy, the successful applicant will work part-time to support the Head Gardener in maintaining the established features of the garden as well as helping to develop new projects.


The garden team will be tasked with revitalising the formal terrace garden (originally designed in the 1900s by Reginald Blomfield), caring for a kitchen garden, the Mediterranean flower beds in the sun-drenched East Courtyard, and the charming secret garden that encircles the thatched tea cottage. There is also a river-side walled garden, currently in disrepair, but with great scope for expansion.


You will work alongside the Head Gardener, a trainee gardener and a groundskeeper. Crucially the role involves strong teamwork and physical fitness.


Applicants should possess a strong work ethic and ‘can do’ attitude combined with previous gardening experience. This job offers an expansive learning opportunity in a garden open to the public.



Job Description





Hours : Part time – 2 days/week

Salary : £24k Pro Rata


Objectives

• To care for the diverse plants in the formal, kitchen and woodland areas

• To build new areas of the garden with the head gardener

• To work flexibly with other members of the team in the garden and grounds.


Role

• Planting, pruning and weeding of the garden

• Grow vegetables and cut flowers

• Improve soil health and growing conditions for the plants

• Develop the biodiversity of the grounds

• Care for the house plants and greenhouses

• Prioritise work on a weekly basis with consideration of forecast weather conditions

• Work as a team with other staff in the garden and grounds

• Propagate plants to be sold during open season

• Keep all garden sheds tidy and with an updated inventory

• Assist with general security within the Trust grounds

• Assist in other aspects of the work of the Mellerstain Trust as required


Requirements

• Level 2 RHS or equivalent qualification

• Good working knowledge of plant propagation and maintenance

• Understanding of soil improvement strategies

• Mature, flexible personality with good communication skills

• A welcoming and professional manner

• Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

• Commitment to the safe use and storage of fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides, and other hazardous substances used within the gardens and grounds

• Working knowledge of garden and grounds machinery

• Awareness and compliance of Health & Safety requirements and regulations

• Maintain confidentiality regarding Trust matters at all times


Reporting Structure

The Mellerstain Trust is run by six Trustees, one of whom is appointed Garden Manager. They will oversee the strategy of the garden and manage staff reviews. The day-to-day management will be done by the Head Gardener who will lead the groundskeeper and part-time gardeners.


Assignment and Review of Work

All work plans to be agreed and reviewed with Garden Manager on a monthly basis. Review will be on a continuous basis and carried out by the Garden Manager. Review will be based on:

• Timely and effective completion of tasks.

• Neatness and overall standard of the grounds.

Job appraisal will be conducted annually.


To apply please submit your CV and a Cover Letter to enquiries@mellerstain.com.

Closing date: 5pm Friday 7 October 2022








Mellerstain House, Gordon, Scottish Borders TD3 6LG
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Tel: 01573 410 225


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