Gardening Assistant

Yester Estate is a diverse private rural estate situated near Gifford in East Lothian. The Estate encompasses historic gardens, parkland, woodland, agricultural land and a range of residential and estate properties.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and dependable Gardening Assistant to join our garden team and support the continued care, development and presentation of the gardens and wider Estate.

This is a hands-on role suited to somebody who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in maintaining high standards and is keen to develop their horticultural knowledge and experience.

The Role

Working under the direction of the Head Gardener, the Gardening Assistant will help with the day-to-day maintenance and development of the Estate's gardens.

The successful candidate will be expected to undertake a broad range of horticultural duties throughout the year and work as part of the wider Estate team when required.

Key Responsibilities

Duties will include, but are not limited to:

• General garden maintenance including weeding, edging, hoeing, mulching and cultivating beds and borders.
• Planting and ongoing care of herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees, bulbs and seasonal displays.
• Lawn care including mowing, strimming, edging, scarifying, feeding and general turf maintenance.
• Hedge cutting and maintenance of formal and informal hedging.
• Pruning shrubs, roses, climbers, fruit trees and ornamental trees as appropriate.
• Watering and irrigation of plants, borders, containers and newly established planting.
• Assisting with propagation, seed sowing, potting-on and plant production.
• Supporting the management of kitchen garden areas, including vegetable and fruit production where required.
• Leaf clearance and seasonal garden maintenance.
• Composting and responsible management of garden waste.
• Assisting with the maintenance of paths, garden structures, fences and other garden features.
• Operating and carrying out basic routine maintenance of horticultural machinery and equipment including mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters and other powered equipment.
• Assisting with pest, disease and weed management using appropriate methods.
• Supporting the preparation and presentation of the gardens for Estate events, open days and private functions.
• Helping maintain exceptionally high standards of presentation throughout the formal gardens and surrounding Estate.
• Working alongside other members of the Estate team where additional support is required.
• Following Estate health and safety procedures and safe working practices at all times.
• Undertaking other reasonable duties associated with the gardens and Estate as directed by the Head Gardener or Estate Manager.

Pay: From £25,420.00 per year

Work Location: In person