Private Gardener

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ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking a motivated, experienced, and autonomous Full-Time Gardener and Farm Grounds Person to join an evolving private residential farm and gardens project in County Sligo. Set across a modest mixed use land holding, this property combines intensive fine horticulture with small-scale rural land management.

This is a hands-on role for an individual who takes immense pride in outdoor spaces. We want someone who grows with the role, developing a deep sense of ownership of the project over time. The position starts at a deliberate pace to allow the candidate to settle in, expanding organically as ongoing projects are completed.

During the peak spring and summer seasons, the focus is heavily rooted in professional horticulture, detailed planting schedules, and garden management. With modest farm support. Out-of-season periods transition toward general property upkeep, small building maintenance, and occasional light-touch farming work.

Because you will often work independently, high personal motivation, strong initiative, and problem-solving skills are essential. Additional support will be available from time to time.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Horticulture, Vegetables & Orchards (Spring / Summer Focus): Design, implement, and manage detailed planting schedules, seasonal flower beds, lawns, and broader garden developments. Take charge of the planting, ongoing management, and harvesting of productive vegetable gardens and orchards. Drive the ongoing journey to build and develop the grounds from the ground up using expert plant knowledge and best practice organic techniques.

General Maintenance & Small Farming (Autumn / Winter Focus): Carry out general property, infrastructure, and minor building maintenance tasks. Handle general upkeep of outbuildings and provide occasional, light-touch support for the farm operations on site.

Machinery & Projects: Safely operate and maintain on-site machinery and power tools. Take full ownership of small annual projects requiring independent planning, purchasing of materials, and execution.

CANDIDATE PROFILE &* REQUIREMENTS*

Horticultural Expertise: Formal qualifications or extensive practical experience in horticulture, plant knowledge, and garden establishment, including food growing.

Autonomous & Motivated: Proven ability to work independently, utilizing strong personal initiative to spot tasks, plan projects through to completion, and manage daily responsibilities with a sense of personal stake and pride.

Practical Versatility: Comfortable operating site machinery and tackling basic structural or building maintenance tasks.

Flexibility: Standard Monday–Friday 9am–5pm schedule, with a willingness to occasionally check or attend site on weekends if required.

LEAVE &* TIME OFF ARRANGEMENTS*

Standard Irish employment 20 days paid annual leave, plus public holidays. Given the seasonal demands of the role:

Peak Season Leave: Annual holidays are ideally to be taken outside of the heavy spring and summer growing season (autumn/winter preference).

Unpaid Out-of-Season Time Off: To support work-life balance and accommodate personal projects or extended travel, taking additional unpaid time off during the quieter autumn/winter out-of-season period is available as a potential option by arrangement.

THE JOURNEY AHEAD

The small farm and gardens project is actively evolving, offering the successful candidate a rare opportunity to be part of an exciting journey to build, shape, and refine the grounds. The role begins at a steady, supportive pace and will naturally develop as current milestones are reached and you have well and truly found your feet, growing into a position of genuine stewardship and project ownership.

Pay: €40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Flexitime
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person