Newly Qualified Horticulturist/Gardener

College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise; Holywood; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A horticultural training institute in Northern Ireland is seeking a Newly Qualified Horticulturist to help develop a beautiful, interconnected garden spanning 3 acres. This position offers a unique chance to gain hands-on experience, design garden features, and contribute to a botanically diverse environment. Applicants should be recently qualified in Horticulture or Garden Design, and demonstrate enthusiasm and strong plant management skills. Flexible hours and competitive compensation are offered, ideal for those eager to build a professional portfolio.

Qualifications

• Recently qualified (or soon to be) in Horticulture, Garden Design, or a related field.
• Eager to learn and enthusiastic about garden design.
• Solid understanding of plant identification, propagation, soil management, and pest/disease control.

Responsibilities

• Design, plant, and maintain a series of interconnecting garden rooms.
• Select and plant species that thrive in specific microclimates of each room.
• Work alongside the owner to create distinct garden features.

Skills

Plant identification

Soil management

Pest/disease control

General gardening tasks

Education

Horticulture, Garden Design, or related field

Job description

Shape a 3-Acre Garden Masterpiece – Your Blank Canvas Awaits!

Are you a passionate, newly qualified horticulturist or gardener ready to transform theory into reality and build a stunning portfolio? This is your chance to step into a diverse 3-acre private garden and leave your mark from the ground up!

The Project: Creating Interconnected Garden Rooms

We are seeking a creative and dedicated individual to help develop a beautiful, interesting, and botanically diverse garden in phases.

• The Foundation: The site currently features a charming parterre, several established older flower beds, and a magnificent collection of mature trees.
• The Challenge & Opportunity: The majority of the 3 acres is a blank canvas. Your primary task will be to work alongside the owner to design, plant, and maintain a series of interconnecting garden rooms.
• Site Specifics: Due to the garden’s layout, sun exposure varies significantly across different areas. A key part of the role will be selecting and planting species that thrive in the specific microclimates of each room (e.g., sun-drenched, shady, dry, damp).

Why This Role is Perfect for You

• Portfolio Builder: This is a rare, hands-on opportunity to design, implement, and maintain distinct garden features, providing invaluable experience and impressive examples for your professional portfolio. You will be able to demonstrate skill in design, plant selection, soil management, and phased development.
• Creative Freedom: While working within a clear vision, you will have significant input into the creation of new areas, from concept to completion.
• Practical Experience: Apply your academic knowledge directly to a diverse, evolving site.

The Role Details

• Position: Newly Qualified Horticulturist / Gardener
• Hours: Approximately 16 hours per week (equivalent to 2 full days). This schedule offers excellent flexibility.
• Compensation: Competitive and dependent on experience.
• Location: BT18 0AT

About You

• Qualification: Recently qualified (or soon to be) in Horticulture, Garden Design, or a related field.
• Enthusiasm: You must be eager to learn, enthusiastic about garden design, and physically capable of performing general gardening tasks.
• Knowledge: A solid understanding of plant identification, propagation, soil management, and pest/disease control.
• Attitude: Highly motivated, reliable, and able to work independently.

If you are ready to dig in and launch your career by creating a truly inspirational garden, we want to hear from you!

TO APPLY:

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your interest and why this opportunity aligns with your career goals to [e-mail]

We look forward to reviewing your application!