ROLE PROFILE FOR THE POST OF GROUNDSMAN / GARDENER
LOCATION : Heanton Satchville
LINE MANAGER : Head Gardener
PRINCIPAL RELATIONSHIPS : Lord and Lady Clinton
HOURS : Up to 45 per week according to seasonal requirement. Hours will include some weekend watering
duties on a rota basis
BENEFITS : 6% employers pension contribution (+3% employee contribution), Critical Illness Cover up to
£20,000 and Life Assurance to a maximum 4 x salary. PPE, uniform and wet weather clothing provided
INTRODUCTION :
Heanton Satchville, the 19th Century home of Lord and Lady Clinton, is situated in Huish above the Torridge
River Valley, approximately 5 miles south of Great Torrington.
The garden looks out across the recently restored William S. Gilpin parkland and its large collection of veteran
trees, incorporating numerous stunning views and vistas of the North Devon countryside.
The 25 acre garden comprises the ‘Pleasure Garden’ surrounding the Mansion; a more formal planting of
specimen trees and shrubs, borders and hedges set in gently undulating lawns; the ‘Cottage Walk’ woodland
garden with Camellia, Rhododendron, Acer and Hydrangea collections, and 2 one acre Walled Gardens, one of
which is still in use for the production of fruit, vegetables and cut flowers for the house. Three early 20 th
century glasshouses are currently used to grow a range of produce and for the propagation of plants for the
garden.
Our garden team consists of a head gardener, one full time gardener and a full time groundsman gardener
(the advertised post), plus part time seasonal help as necessary. We are collectively responsible for all aspects
of the maintenance and improvement of the gardens and work to the highest horticultural standards.
Lord Clinton’s commercial interests are managed by Clinton Devon Estates, based at Bicton Arena in East
Devon. The organisation employs over 50 people and is holder of ‘Investment in People’ status. As winners of
the ‘Queens Award for Excellence in Sustainable Development’, the Estate is committed to responsible
stewardship of the countryside, and the gardens at Heanton are managed within these guidelines. We are
proud to have been placed very highly in the ‘Times Top 100 Small Companies to work for’ in the past 5 years.
SUMMARY OF ROLE:
Assist Lord and Lady Clinton, together with the Head Gardener, to maintain and improve the grounds and
gardens at Heanton Satchville.
From time to time, situations will arise whereby the post holder will be expected to carry out a range of other
estate duties.
KEY TASKS:
Work with the head gardener to ensure that all garden areas are presented to an exemplary standard at all
times.
Key tasks of the role
 The safe and efficient operation of grass cutting equipment to cut and edge lawns and meadows
 Carry out seasonal lawn maintenance tasks such as feeding, aerating, scarifying and top dressing
 Cut a range of hedges during the appropriate season. These vary from .5m to 4m in height and
necessitate the use of approved access equipment. You will need to be comfortable working at height
after appropriate training.
 Maintain gravel and hard paths – tasks include control of weeds using herbicide and physical
methods, control of moss and algae, top up and rake gravel areas
 Application of a range of herbicides using knapsack, walk-over and tractor mounted sprayer. Maintain
spraying records and the pesticide store to comply with current legislation.
 Carry out routine maintenance and basic repairs on a range of horticultural machinery, to include
daily checks, safety checks, annual servicing, record keeping and instruct other garden staff in safe
operation
 A significant proportion of time will be devoted to keeping the garden and drives clear of leaves in the
autumn
 Control vermin as necessary in the garden, to include squirrels, rabbits and moles
Seasonal Tasks
 Take an active role in Health and Safety management of the gardens by carrying out workplace
inspections and attending department health and safety meetings. Maintain first aid equipment
 Manage the compost area to maximise the recycling of organic matter into the garden
 Assist in the garden with a range of horticultural tasks, particularly during the autumn and winter,
including planting and mulching in the pleasure Garden; fruit pruning, ploughing and rotovating in the
Kitchen Garden
 Assist with the maintenance of Parkland Drives and Copses, including use of chainsaw
 Carry out simple maintenance and repairs of garden infrastructure, such as irrigation systems, fencing
or drainage
 Keep workshop and stores safe and tidy
The gardens are not organic but we practice techniques that have minimal environmental impact in line with
Estate policy. We use a minimum of pesticides and look to further reduce use where possible.
You must take reasonable care for the health, safety and welfare of yourself and others who may be affected
by your acts or omissions at work
Attend training courses or other events as directed. Vocational training will be arranged where appropriate to
help you fulfil your role, and to comply with current legislation and good practice.
Undertake weekend watering duties on a rota basis
Heanton Satchville is a family garden and everybody on the team is occasionally expected to perform a
range of other duties around the Mansion or on the Estate
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential :
 Good experience of working in a grounds care role or in a similar garden situation
 Capable of operating a wide range of horticultural machinery and equipment safely and efficiently
 Personable and able to work well in a small team
 Fastidious approach and takes pride in achieving the highest standards in horticulture
 Experienced in application of pesticides, chainsaw use and vermin control
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Thorough understanding of lawn and hedge care, including pest and disease
Able to work at height safely
Understanding of personal responsibilities under Health and Safety law
Able to carry out basic machinery repairs
General gardening skills in planting, pruning etc.
Flexible approach to work and a positive outlook
Desirable :
 Experience in basic horticultural engineering
 Knowledge of range of herbicides appropriate for garden use
 Holds current vocational qualifications such as PA1 and PA6a, chainsaw crosscut and maintenance,
first aid
 Level 1 or 2 Horticultural qualification and basic plant knowledge