Seasonal Gardener

Balmoralcastle; Tynabaich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic estate in the United Kingdom is seeking a Seasonal Gardener (Horticulturist) to assist the Head of Gardens and maintain the estate's gardens. The role involves performing various gardening tasks to uphold organic practices, supporting the team in health and safety adherence, and preparing the gardens for public tours. Candidates should be qualified or studying horticulture, possess practical gardening experience, and have good knowledge of plants and organic practices. This is a full-time position with standard hours Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• Ability to carry out a range of garden skills and tasks to a high standard.
• Experience in organic practices.
• Must have good plant knowledge and understand cultivation, maintenance, propagation, and management.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining the gardens at Balmoral Gardens.
• Support the Head of Gardens in health and safety practices.
• Contribute to preparation for events and tours.

Skills

Qualified or studying for National Diploma or equivalent horticultural qualifications

Excellent hands-on practical horticulture experience

Good plant knowledge

Ability to identify horticultural pests and diseases

Excellent interpersonal skills

Experience in organic practices

Current driving license

Any LANTRA certifications in machinery and equipment

Education

National Diploma in Horticulture or equivalent

Tools

Machinery and equipment for horticulture

Job description

Overview

We are looking for Seasonal Gardener (Horticulturist) to assist the Head of Gardens, Deputy Head Gardener and garden team, with the maintenance of the gardens at Balmoral Castle.

Job Title: Seasonal Gardener (Horticulturist)

Reports to: Head of Gardens

Salary: Hourly rate

Contract: Summer April/May – September/October 2026

Balmoral Estate is owned by His Majesty the King and is managed in a traditional manner similar to many other privately owned Scottish highland estates. Overall management is directed by the Factor at the Estates Office at Balmoral, near Crathie, Aberdeenshire.

Balmoral is situated approximately 50 miles west of Aberdeen, 6 miles west of Ballater, 9 miles east of Braemar and at a height of 900 to 950 ft above sea level. It can be found on Ordnance Survey maps 43 and 44 (land ranger 1:50,000).

The Castle gardens and grounds are open throughout the year to visitors when the Royal Family aren’t in residence.

The Castle is set in its own gardens and policy parks which are managed by the Head of Gardens.

We do not tolerate discrimination based on protected characteristics (age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership) or other differences such as socio-economic background or social origin.

Balmoral Gardens is a Historic Garden and is currently being enhanced with several exciting new garden features including a Thistle maze, a Celtic Maze, topiary, trees, shrubs and hedging. Other established features include The Queen Mary’s Garden, Sunken Garden, Herbaceous Borders, Kitchen Garden and Glasshouses. We also look after gardens for holiday cottages on the estate.

The Role

To assist the Head of Gardens, Deputy Head Gardener and garden team, with the maintenance of the gardens at Balmoral Castle. Ensuring that the highest possible standards are maintained in line with the garden’s organic principles.

Key Tasks

• Undertake and assist with the day-to-day aspects of maintaining the gardens at Balmoral Gardens and delivering exemplary standards of horticulture.
• Work together with the gardening team to help ensure the organic status of the garden is maintained.
• The post-holder is expected to resolve day-to-day problems that arise relating to the works undertaken, seeking advice or approval from the Assistant Head Gardener or Head of Gardens where necessary.
• Support the Head of Gardens with ensuring all aspects of Health and Safety legislation are being followed. Report any accidents, near misses or dangerous occurrences as necessary.
• Assist with the maintenance of machinery and equipment on site. As part of this ensure faults in machinery or equipment are reported and logged, in addition to ensuring that machinery pre-start and post-finish checks are undertaken on each occasion a machine is used.
• Contribute to the preparation for events and tours ensuring the gardens are shown to their highest horticultural standard.
• Any other horticultural duties as required.

Person Specification

The essential skills, knowledge and experience required are:

• Qualified or studying for National Diploma or equivalent horticultural qualifications and/or excellent hands-on practical horticulture experience.
• The ability to carry out a range of garden skills and tasks to a high standard.
• Be able and willing to work alone or take the lead in specific aspects of the garden’s maintenance and development, when asked.
• Good plant knowledge and a good level of understanding of their cultivation, maintenance, propagation and management.
• Ability to identify a range of horticultural pests and diseases.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience in organic practices.
• Current driving licence.
• Any LANTRA certifications in machinery and equipment including grass cutting.

Other

Hours of Work: Normally 0800 – 1700, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week)

Additional Information

The job involves carrying out demanding and repetitive physical tasks.