Groundsman & Estate Assistant

Near Newbury, Berkshire

Full-time • Live-out

We are seeking a practical, reliable and enthusiastic Groundsman & Estate Assistant to help with the day-to-day management and upkeep of a 25-acre private estate near Newbury.

The estate includes a private residence and publishing offices set among gardens, paddocks, water meadows, woodland and a chalk stream. It also has a large vegetable garden, greenhouses, swimming pool, extensive hedges and trees, a small retirement livery of up to eight horses, and chickens. This is a varied role combining horticulture, grounds maintenance, animal care and general estate work.

Working alongside the owners, you will assist with regular daily and seasonal tasks, including caring for the horses, maintaining gardens and paddocks, operating machinery and carrying out planned maintenance. Ongoing improvement projects and occasional private events add further variety.

The role would suit someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in their work and is keen to develop practical skills. It may particularly appeal to someone starting a career in horticulture, agriculture or estate management, although applicants with relevant experience are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining lawns, gardens, hedges, borders and planted areas to a high standard.
• Daily care of the retirement livery, including mucking out paddocks and checking fencing and water.
• Seasonal pasture management, including topping, harrowing, rolling, reseeding and general maintenance.
• Operating and maintaining a compact tractor, ride-on mower, hedge cutters, strimmers and other equipment.
• General estate maintenance, including fence repairs, painting and minor practical tasks.
• Assisting with woodland, riverbank and wider estate management.
• Preparing the estate for visitors and private events.
• Supporting landscaping and improvement projects.

You should be reliable, punctual and trustworthy, physically fit, comfortable around horses, dogs and chickens, and able to work independently as well as part of a small team. Previous experience in gardening, grounds maintenance, agriculture or estate work is desirable.

Essential requirements are a full UK driving licence, good practical maintenance skills and a willingness to undertake varied outdoor work throughout the year.

Experience with tractors, ride-on mowers, chainsaws or estate machinery, together with NPTC/Lantra chainsaw qualifications or PA1/PA6 spraying certificates, would be advantageous.

Salary: £28,000 per annum, depending on experience.

References and a DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.

To apply please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining your suitability to kaischief@gmail.com