Kitchen Gardener

We are currently recruiting for a Kitchen Gardener based in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire. This is a full time position working 40 hours per week, with a salary of up to £30,000 per year. The start date is ASAP.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established gardens team within a setting that has the feel of a private estate. The gardens sit within a 300-acre Capability Brown landscape. They have recently undergone extensive improvements. These include large mixed borders with cottage garden style planting, Rhododendron walks, a Japanese koi pond, an orangery, and a large kitchen garden.

The kitchen garden has recently been renovated and now includes large walk-in fruit cages. This role offers the opportunity to be involved at an exciting stage of development and to help shape the future of the kitchen garden.

Working under the Kitchen Garden Team Leader, you will support the growing, harvesting, and maintenance of produce to a consistently high standard. The role also involves working with indoor and tropical plants on a daily basis. Some experience with this is beneficial, but training can be provided.

Additionally, this role offers a varied and practical working environment. As a result, no two days are the same. Because the kitchen garden is actively developed, the work remains engaging throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out routine kitchen garden maintenance including watering, weeding, digging, planting, cultivation, feeding, and harvesting
• Support the growing and harvesting of produce to a high standard
• Maintain beds, borders, and productive growing areas to excellent presentation standards
• Assist with the care and maintenance of fruit cages and productive garden spaces
• Work with indoor and tropical plants as part of the daily routine
• Ensure all tools, vehicles, and equipment are maintained and report breakages promptly
• Work closely with the Kitchen Garden Team Leader, Head Gardener, and wider team
• Support wider garden maintenance tasks across the estate when required
• Follow Health and Safety procedures and safe working practices at all times
• Maintain strong attention to detail and pride in presentation
• Importantly, this role requires a high level of care and attention to detail. Therefore, a structured and organised approach to daily tasks is essential. In addition, teamwork and communication are key to maintaining high standards.

Requirements

• Previous gardening experience, ideally within a kitchen garden or productive growing environment
• Genuine interest in kitchen gardening and growing produce to a high standard
• Willingness to learn and develop skills with indoor and tropical plants
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Positive, can-do attitude with a strong work ethic
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Applicants should live within a 60-minute travel distance
• Must hold a driving licence
• Basic DBS will be completed

Skills and Qualities

• Practical horticultural ability with strong attention to detail
• Passion for food growing and plant care
• Organised and reliable approach to work
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• Pride in maintaining high standards

What’s On Offer

• Salary up to £30,000 per year
• Full time role, 40 hours per week
• Overtime paid when required
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Sick pay
• Company pension scheme
• Free on-site parking
• On-site gym access
• Company events
• Training and career development opportunities

How to Apply

This role is being recruited by Halmer Group on behalf of our client. To be considered, please submit your CV along with a brief covering note outlining your experience and suitability for this Kitchen Gardener position. All applications will be treated in strict confidence.

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