Hiring an Estate Manager/Gardener
These are the two main roles on an estate with large grounds.
As a farmer’s daughter raised on the beautiful estate farm of Mowbrays in South Cambridgeshire I understand so well the land management side of Private Service.
Estate Managers
An Estate Manager will oversee the management of every aspect of An Estate House and grounds and can be responsible for all the estate staff, accounting and bookkeeping, often with a hands-on approach. These can be large country properties or Mansions in the centre of Cities or even Islands. Often referred to as the Polo and Tweed set due to the Equestrian side of the work and also the clothes they wear.
If the position includes being The Factor this oversees managing the land and using it to its best potential to increase profitability of the estate and any Business activities of estates.
It can be an advantage to have a farming background and estate qualification for arable and livestock farming or management of a range of tenanted farms. Working with and understanding EU regulations with external bodies such as Defra, RPA and AVLA,Dealing with external advisors such as agronomists and vets.
Any rural activities that can include commercially run shoots, residential and commercial property portfolio.
Often the Estates will have stables and Equestrian sides so knowledge of this is helpful for working with trainers, jockeys, grooms or vet and farriers. Knowledge of feeds and purchasing as well as transportation and breading is helpful.
The Property Management would oversee the smooth running, general upkeep and maintenance of the estate and its properties. Experience and knowledge of all the trades and ability to project manage renovations and restoration projects.
Often a business and accountancy background is required for reports and administration and management of budgets, event planning and management.
Game Keepers
An essential role on rural and sports estates that run shoots and for animal husbandry to make sure there is enough game for shooting, or fish for angling,
Often their annual work includes the land involved such as woodland, ponds and rivers, farmland where they raise game birds or provide habitats for deer, fish and wildlife.
Measures to prevent Hare Coursing and poaching, the ability to rear and release game birds including pheasants and partridge and act as pests controllers such as ferrets shooting and poison and traps control.
Gardeners
A professional Gardener is responsible for growing and cultivating all types of plants, flowers, trees, shrubs and lawns. Professional Gardeners are employed in places such as public parks, gardens, sports grounds, schools, private residences and private estates. The gardeners we represent are passionate about nature and the environment.
A gardener will enjoy a practical, outdoors lifestyle. Being able to take instruction from the principals and bring creativity often to a set project budget designing and planting schemes so the garden has something to offer all year round.. Using training, knowledge experience and gardening skills as well as a passion- often suing resources such as the internet gardening books and working with garden centres and other suppliers.
Making sure the grass and lawns are kept in immaculate condition. seeds or cuttings
digging, planting and weeding flower beds and borders pruning shrubs
health of plants identifying pests or diseases and controlling them
Cleaning and maintaining tools and using equipment and machinery such as lawn mowers, rotavators and hedge trimmers
Being able to work with the public and to a seasonal calendar especially in gardens, private estates and houses of historical importance If the work is in a garden that is open to the public , the gardener might also be required to answer questions from visitors or supervise and lead garden walks.
Gardening is a very physical job and involves a lot of lifting, digging and carrying heavy loads. We always advise candidates to wear safety equipment such as gloves, eye protectors and a hard hat as and when required. Being strong and fit to do manual labour and can involve carrying out building such as putting up sheds and building walls, fences and patios.
Working hours and conditions- hours could vary depending on the time of year with more in the light of spring and summer and less in the dark of winter or when disrupted by the weather,
Income
A Head Gardener, could earn £25,000pa to £50,000 if they have made a name and reputation for themselves.
Also the better qualified you are with
- Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture
- Level 2 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
- Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.
- Level 2/3 Certificate/Diploma in Work-based Horticulture
- Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Horticulture.
- Level 3 Certificate in Practical Horticulture
- Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting.
- Master of Horticulture (RHS) ,a qualification aimed at those working professionally and you can also study towards higher education qualifications like HNCs, HNDs, foundation degrees and degrees in subjects like horticulture and garden management.
- Estate Manager
- Head Gardener
- Gardener
- Game keeper
We are the London agency that comes to you
Many of my clients are in London so being based one hour from Central London keeps me in touch with clients visiting them in their homes in Mayfair, Belgravia, Knightsbridge, Bishops Avenue, Hampstead and South Kensington. I have clients with houses and country estates in all UK counties such as Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and even Ireland and Scotland.
Why Engage Domestic Bliss
Through a structured interviewing process I build a detailed picture of each individual’s level of ability, character and personal needs. This careful process benefits all parties. You will not waste time and effort on reviewing random CVs and holding inappropriate interviews. Our goal is to select only the best matches….
This bespoke exclusive service also saves YOU time, money and hassle.
To handle the increasing demands of this specialised professional and personal service I have equipped my offices with the best of modern communication which enable us to talk with clients and staff all over the world and take advantage of video interviewing. CV consultancy and advice on developing job descriptions to enable more accurate placement.
I can be available to you in and out of office hours 24/7.
Please get in touch – we look forward to hearing from you!
Terms of Business
Since I started my company, I have always worked hard to make sure clients receive value for money and because of the 100% success rate, unlike other agencies there is no upfront fee charged.
Full terms of Business will be sent to explain in detail that on successful placement a deposit is paid once the staff start their new jobs to give the freedom of 12 weeks probation. Only when a placement is confirmed after the 12 week probation is the invoice sent for a fee – there is no charge of VAT.
The fee is 14% of the annual gross salary for permanent placements.
In the unlikely event the placement does not result in an offer that is accepted there is no further fee charged.