Job Description

Senior Gardener / Operations Manager

Happy New Year!

We are an established garden maintenance business primarily working on recurring domestic properties of medium to large size, with our largest site covering approximately 18 acres. Most work comes directly from our own client base via the Gardeners' Guild, with occasional collaboration with garden designers leading to soft landscaping projects. The work provides exposure to a wide range of horticultural techniques across well-stocked gardens. Where appropriate, surplus herbaceous divisions are available and staff are welcome to take these home.

Our work is varied and includes:

High-quality garden maintenance

Soft landscaping

Irrigation installation

Chainsaw work

Pressure washing

General handyman tasks

This is a small (4 people including myself in Summer), tight operation where growth is incremental and deliberate. The focus is on quality, consistency, and strengthening the practical systems needed to run a professional business -- including health and safety practices, risk assessments, seasonal refreshers, vehicle setup, yard organisation, and smoother day-to-day operations.

With the right person in place to take responsibility for day-to-day running, the business can absorb additional clients. This would allow me to step back from regular labour at times and focus more on the above tasks, covering holidays or sickness when needed, and supporting longer-term stability and expansion.

Experience in fencing or hard landscaping would be highly desirable, as it would help strengthen winter workloads. Alternatively, applicants should hold at least RHS Level 2 (or equivalent experience) with several years' practical gardening experience in a team-leading role. This position is not suitable for someone new to gardening or requiring foundational training.

This role would suit someone who has previously run their own small operation and is now looking for a more sustainable setup, without giving up responsibility, day-to-day autonomy, or professional standards. The role is full-time, with priority given to business commitments during the main season. There is flexibility for the right person to retain personal projects, particularly over winter, by agreement.

Unlike many fixed day-rate roles, all hours worked are logged and paid using our app -- there is no expectation of unpaid overtime.

Requirements:

Strong physical fitness and stamina Basic literacy and numeracy Sound judgement, objectivity, and critical thinking Ability to work independently and as part of a team Comfortable working at height (ladders, etc.)
Best wishes for the New Year and your job search.

Peter

Avalonian Gardens

www.avaloniangardens.com

https://www.facebook.com/AvalonianGardens/

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 16.35-19.50 per hour

Expected hours: 30 - 50 per week

Work Location: In person