Head Gardener / Estate Groundsman - Beautiful Private Estate, Co. Kildare, Ireland

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced, full time, knowledgeable and hands-on Head Gardener / Estate Groundsman to join a magnificent private family estate in County Kildare.

Set within approximately 50 acres of exquisitely landscaped gardens and grounds, this stunning Georgian country residence features beautifully designed gardens, a swimming pool, tennis court, coach house, sand arena, mature trees, grazing land and extensive estate grounds. The owners have recently invested significantly in creating and maintaining this wonderful environment and are now seeking a dedicated individual to take ownership of its continued care and development.

The current gardener has been with the family for over ten years, and the estate is now at an exciting stage where the major landscaping and planting projects have been completed. This role is ideal for someone who takes immense pride in maintaining a beautiful property to the highest standard.

You will take responsibility for the overall maintenance, presentation and day-to-day management of the gardens and wider estate. The position involves caring for the extensive landscaped gardens, lawns, trees, shrubs and hedging, overseeing general estate management, maintaining the irrigation systems, operating machinery and equipment, carrying out seasonal gardening tasks and ensuring the entire property is kept in immaculate condition throughout the year.

This is a wonderfully varied role for someone who enjoys being hands-on and taking ownership of their work. While primarily a gardening and estate management position, there will be occasions where you are happy to muck in and assist with wider estate duties, whether that be leaf clearing, gutter maintenance, operating equipment, helping prepare areas of the estate or supporting the smooth running of the property as required.

The Ideal Candidate

• Experienced as a Head Gardener, Groundsman or Estate Worker in a similar role
• Possesses strong horticultural and plant knowledge (Horticulture qualifications preferred)
• Friendly, professional and approachable
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Practical, adaptable and proactive
• Experienced in maintaining large private gardens or estates
• Happy to undertake a varied and hands-on role
• Interested in sustainable and organic gardening methods where possible
• Looking for a long-term position within a welcoming private household
• Holds a clean, in date driving licence 
• Has the right to work in Ireland 
• Holds a chainsaw licence, spray certificates and can operate various garden machinery and tools competently
• Has excellent, obtainable references 

The estate is home to horses, cattle and sheep which graze and rotate across parts of the land. The owners are keen to find someone with excellent horticultural knowledge and an appreciation for sustainable and, where possible, organic gardening practices. Experience of managing large private gardens or country estates is essential.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently for much of the week, using their own initiative and taking pride in maintaining exceptionally high standards.

We are looking for someone who is experienced, practical, hardworking and, above all, genuinely lovely to have around. The principals are seeking a friendly and professional individual who will enjoy becoming part of the long-term life of this beautiful estate.

If required, excellent live-in accommodation can be provided, and this position may suit a single person or a couple, although there is currently no additional role available within the household.

Salary: 

·       €40,000 - €45,000 per annum.

Hours:

·       Full time, 40 hours a week

Start & finish time:

·       To be agreed 

This role would suit a passionate and experienced horticultural professional who enjoys combining practical gardening with wider estate management responsibilities, taking great pride in preserving the gardens while continuing to enhance and develop the estate for future generations.

To apply or for further information, please contact Rebecca: [email protected]

Larstone Recruitment