Craft Gardener

This is an exciting opportunity for a hard-working and proactive individual to join our growing Garden team at Ballyfin.

Ballyfin is surrounded by natural beauty, with the estate spanning over 614 acres, including vast lawns, greenery, woodlands, gardens, a lake, and much more.

This is a full-time permanent position, working Tuesday to Saturday, 8.00am to 4.30pm. Reporting directly to the Estate Manager, this position is responsible for maintaining and presenting the grounds of the gardens and wider estate in a clean, beautiful, and safe manner at all times.

Purpose & Definition of Craft Gardener role

The role of Craft Gardener is an important and valued role at Ballyfin. The main purpose of the job is to ensure that all areas of work allocated to you present to the highest possible standards of maintenance, quality and presentation at all times throughout the year.

Main Duties: (Include but are not limited to):

· To ensure all work is done to a high standard in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)

· To be an active member of the garden team, assisting team members in other areas as and when required.

· To Install and maintain seasonal plants

· To ensure you sow and maintain vegetable produce to the highest standards possible

· Actively mow, trim and fertilize green spaces as and when required

· Mulch, edge and weed gardens

· Prune and trim trees, fruit trees and fruit bushes

· Monitor and maintain the health of plants

· Deal with pest problems that could damage plants

· Ensure that you proactively keep gardens and green spaces clear of debris

· Ultimately, you will make sure our gardens and green spaces are always healthy and beautiful.

This is not a full and final list of duties and responsibilities and you may be required to carry out other tasks as directed by the Estate Manager.

Required Skills/Abilities:

· QQI level 6 or higher required

· Strong understanding of seasonal vegetables/fruits

· Previous experience as a working Gardener working within a kitchen garden or ornamental garden.

· Strong knowledge of plant life and needs.

· Strong understanding of pests and disease and control measures

· A love of the outdoors and plant life

· Full clean Irish Drivers licence is required

· Ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team

· Previous experience using large and small engine machines

· Chainsaw ticket preferred not essential

Physical Requirements:

· Prolonged periods walking, standing, bending, stretching, pushing, pulling, climbing ladders, or kneeling.

· Must be physically able to operate machinery and equipment.

· Must be able to lift up to 20KG

· Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions.

If you have a love for the outdoors and you meet the above criteria, then this could be the ideal job that you have been waiting for! Apply now.