Eden Private Staff
Our clients, a couple located near the Southwest tip of the country, are on the lookout for an experienced Live-in Gardener/Handyman/Driver to co-ordinate all outside duties on the Estate and provide overall maintenance support. The family employs a further full-time Housekeeper with whom the chosen candidate is expected to work alongside. You may be required to assist with other ad hoc tasks to maintain the smooth running of the household.
Overall, the property consists of two stone outhouses in the car park area (for storage), a pool house with kitchen and sitting room with separate changing room, plant room and greenhouse, along with the main large property.
In regards to the outside works, the main growing garden is just over 1 acre (highly planted), along with a separate wild garden area that needs maintaining. There is a hard standing parking for the household and staff which would also need maintenance. The family are believers in organic methods around the planted areas, (so no weed killers etc).
This role includes occasional driving duties, so the successful candidate must have a clean licence, including safely transporting the principals to appointments, meetings, social events, and the airport when needed. The vehicles should be kept in immaculate condition by the successful candidate who should uphold a high level of professionalism, punctuality, and discretion.
The family are generally away for three months of the year. They themselves are calm and friendly, with older children and grandchildren occasionally visiting.
The family also have two cavalier spaniels and keep a few chickens. Someone experienced in Bee keeping would be advantageous, as they have two or three hives. The family employs a full- time housekeeper and also part-time gardeners and the chosen person will be expected to work alongside them harmoniously.
You will have access to a vehicle but not for exclusive use.
Job specification:
- Take the lead in maintaining and where required, developing the grounds and gardens and achieve their maximum potential in line with the client’s preferences
- Oversee part-time gardeners and/or any external specialists
- Use and maintain equipment and tools
- Changing plugs/fuses & lightbulbs
- Touching up paintwork in residence/garden/greenhouse
- Clearing gutters
- Some swimming pool maintenance
- Basic plumbing, tap washers, leaks, etc
- Assisting Housekeeper with heavy or difficult jobs
- Pressure washing paving and property exterior
- Driving duties and vehicle maintenance
- Supplying logs to outhouse
Candidate specification:
- Be able to demonstrate experience working in a similar role within a private household
- Able to deliver a high standard of cleaning and upkeep
- Great organisational skills
- Horticultural knowledge
- Plants and vegetable growing experience
- Practical handyperson skills
- Necessary to be a driver
- Easy disposition and friendly personality
- Experience in managing a team of gardeners is advantageous
- Early risers are preferred but working hours can be discussed
- Pet friendly (as mentioned the family have two dogs)
- Clean UK driving licence
Accommodation:
Separate but Annexed accommodation with private kitchen, dining area and sitting room. Electricity, council tax and water are inclusive.
Unfortunately, no partners, pets or dependants can be considered.
DBS check required at offer stage
How to apply:
Applying for this position: Please email your interest in this position to [email protected] Please ensure you include the reference number for the position you are applying for (found at the top of the advert). For candidates who are not currently registered with Eden Private Staff, please include an up-to-date CV when applying. Applicants for this position should have excellent checkable references and a valid DBS. Please note we only register candidates with a minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role. If applying for a UK based role, please ensure you have the correct right to work documentation as we are unable to support with visa applications or sponsorships.