Grounds Person & Gardener

Who are we?

Winton Castle is just half an hour from Edinburgh. It is an established, award-winning venue for hospitality as well as a family home. There is aspiration and support for the gardens and grounds to play a significant and memorable part in the offering to visitors. The immediate castle grounds extend to 16 acres which is in the centre of an agricultural estate involving farming and forestry.

What are we here to do?

Your primary role is to manage the areas of grass and grounds around Winton Castle and three self-catering properties. As well as mowing, your role will include hedge cutting, strimming and herbicide application on the paths around Winton Castle. You will be joining an experienced gardening team where the work will naturally be shared therefore you will be involved with border maintenance and pruning in formally planted areas. The result will be gardens and grounds that reflect the high standards of functions and year-round events provided.

With the seasons come varying demands on small but dedicated, professional teams at Winton, all of which rely on interaction and integration at peak times. Consequentially, during these busy times it is envisaged that for one day a week there will be calls on your time for assistance from:

• The Hospitality Team, to help with their outdoor events and activities.
• The Forestry Team, to carry out log deliveries to customers in and around East Lothian and Edinburgh. Using a transit tipper style vehicle for loose and bagged loads.

You’ll have:

• NCH/HNC/RHS level 2 or equivalent vocational qualifications and experience in horticulture and turf maintenance.
• Some knowledge of plant husbandry.
• Driving license valid within the UK.
• Spraying certificates PA1/PA6A – Safe use and safe application of chemical (or willingness to train).
• Current First Aid certification (or willingness to train).
• Experience with machinery, ideally including: pedestrian and ride on mowers, tractor & trailer, strimmers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters.
• Willingness and the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• An attention to detail, good housekeeping and timekeeping.

Liaison:

The successful applicant will report to the Head Gardener.

Terms & Conditions:

• Hours of work will total 39 per week (Mon-Fri) averaged over the year.
• Annual leave – 28 days including public holidays rising to 30 after 5 years.
• Salary from £23,200 dependent upon experience.
• Start date around November 2024.

To Apply: 

Please send your C.V. and covering letter to recruitment@wintoncastle.co.uk

Closing date – please apply as soon as possible.