Sole Gardener/Handyperson

Description

Job Title: Sole Gardener/Handyperson (Live-in)

Location: Marden, Kent

Salary: £35,000 – £37,000 per annum + Rent-free 2-bedroom accommodation (bills included)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Overview:

A unique and rewarding opportunity has arisen for an experienced and multi-skilled Sole Gardener/Handyperson to maintain a traditional and charming private estate garden in Marden, Kent, on behalf of a warm and appreciative private owner. This live-in position includes a rent-free two-bedroom flat, with all utilities and council tax covered by the employer.

The Garden:

Set within two acres of formal gardens and surrounded by paddocks and farmland, the property includes:

A kitchen garden with a glasshouse and polytunnel
Extensive lawns, mixed borders, and flower beds
Mature native trees (Sycamore, Scots pine, Holly, Horse Chestnut)
A traditional rose arbor
Two ponds with Koi Carp, requiring knowledge of aquatic plant and fish care
This is a private garden, not open to the public, and while not a "show garden", it embodies the character of a classic English country setting

Key Responsibilities:

Horticultural Duties:

Full seasonal management of all planted areas, including borders, lawns, hedges, and trees
Propagation, kitchen gardening, and greenhouse management
Pest and disease identification and treatment
Care and management of aquatic ecosystems (ponds)
Maintain potted plants, hanging baskets, and indoor house plants
Pruning, mulching, fertilising, and weeding as appropriate

Handyperson Duties:

General estate and building maintenance, including basic DIY and decorating
Weekly winding of turret clocks and coach house clocking machines
Fire preparation, bin rotation, and property checks
Monitoring and light maintenance of classic car collection (cleaning, moving, battery management)
Cleaning of windows, gutters, driveways, garages, and patios
Assisting tradespeople and managing service visits
Painting of exterior ironwork and gates when necessary
Co-managing tenants at a nearby lodge and maintaining their front garden

Additional Duties:

Ordering garden and household supplies as needed
Supporting with occasional private events on the property
Occasional weekend watering during hot weather or periods of absence
General site security and property awareness

Requirements:

Academic qualification in horticulture (Level 2 or higher) preferred – experienced candidates without qualifications will also be considered
Strong plant knowledge and seasonal garden management experience
Skilled in propagation, pruning (including roses and young trees), and vegetable growing
Competent in the safe use and maintenance of garden machinery
Chainsaw licence (CS30-31) and PA1/PA6 spray certificates are required
Full UK driving licence and own transport (due to rural location)
Basic understanding of pond and aquatic ecosystem care is desirable
Self-motivated, and highly organised
Positive, flexible, and discreet personality with a strong work ethic
Comfortable working independently and living on-site

Working Hours & Benefits:

Monday to Friday (7:30am – 5:00pm) with 1 hour for lunch
No scheduled weekend work, though some flexibility required for seasonal tasks
20 days annual leave + 8 UK bank holidays
Live-in accommodation: 2-bedroom flat adjacent to the main house (not suitable for children or pets)
All rent, utilities, council tax, and bills covered by the employer

Ad ID: 5417278559