South West France
Permanent full time position for gardener/guardian/handyman to look after a six-bedroom house with 5 ha well-landscaped gardens, pool house, swimming pool, large green house and well equipped Abri.
Fluent French, or French Nationals with fluent English.
Candidates must have prior horticultural experience, ability to maintain: tractors, strimmers, lawnmowers, pumps, swimming pool and plant room and be able to turn hands to pretty much everything in the gardens.
There is also part time housekeeping suitable for a spouse or partner.
Accommodations: A two-bedroom cottage with a kitchen, bathroom, dining area and sitting room, which is located on the property.
No dependants and no pets.
Job Description:
• Undertaking all aspects of husbandry and production including preparation and growing
• Managing pest, disease and weed control program
• Planning and running of transplanting lines in glass house as products change throughout the year
• Performing essential administration, including records, budgets and accounts
• Maintaining and developing the garden
• In charge of grass cutting, emptying bins, weed control and leaf raking.
• Planting new trees, flowers and various plants.
• Driving plant vehicles, small diggers etc.
• Maintenance of plant tubs and baskets.
• Making sure that all garden equipment is correctly maintained and serviced.
• Seeding plants and watering them at the correct times.
• Clearing rubbish and litter away from the garden and grounds.
• Constructing fences, walls
• Giving advice and guidance to property owners on all matters relating to gardening.
• Maintaining lighting in the garden
• Deciding on which seeds to plant and which locations.
• Advising homeowners on the costs of plants and any work to be done, giving written quotations.
• Sourcing the cheapest material, plants, trees and machinery on behalf of clients.
• Supervising the work of day laborers involved in any projects.
• Ensuring a safe working environment for everyone working in the garden.
• Undertaking the basic servicing and repair of all garden machinery.
• Ability to use a wide range of horticultural machinery and powered hand tools.
• Have PA1 and PA6 in pesticide use.
• Good knowledge of plants and vegetables.
• Knowledge of organic gardening methods and techniques.
• Always courteous to other staff and visitors.
• Able to work as part of a team or individually.
• Having a keen personal interest in gardening.
• Current driving license
• Physically in good shape and able to do hard manual labor.