Job Description

JOB SPECIFICATION: Private Garden Manager

Location:

Private Estate, Stellenbosch

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday

Reports To:

Estate Manager / Property Owner

Subordinates:

Casual Garden Workers

1. Role Purpose

The Garden Manager is responsible for the overall maintenance, appearance, and health of the gardens and outdoor spaces on the estate. This role ensures that all landscaping is presented at the highest standard at all times, while leading and coordinating casual gardening staff. The Garden Manager will maintain a high level of professionalism, work ethic, and horticultural knowledge to preserve and enhance the beauty of the estate.

2. Key Responsibilities

Garden Maintenance & Landscaping

Maintain lawns, flower beds, trees, hedges, pathways, and all landscaped areas to immaculate standards.

Plant, prune, and trim flowers, shrubs, and trees according to seasonal requirements.

Perform regular garden clean-ups, including leaf blowing, weeding, edging, mulching, and soil conditioning.

Monitor plant health and identify pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.

Maintain irrigation systems and ensure optimal watering schedules.

Prepare and manage composting and eco-friendly waste practices.

Planning & Seasonal Management

Develop and implement seasonal gardening plans, planting schedules, and landscape improvements.

Recommend plant choices suitable for the estate's climate, soil, and aesthetic requirements.

Manage and maintain garden equipment, tools, and supplies.

Team Leadership & Supervision

Oversee and allocate daily tasks to casual gardening staff.

Provide hands-on training, guidance, and quality control.

Ensure that all work is completed efficiently, safely, and to the estate's standards.

Monitor attendance, performance, and conduct of casual workers.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensure all gardening activities comply with safety standards and estate regulations.

Maintain equipment in safe working order.

Report hazards, damages, or major garden issues to the Estate Manager promptly.

Administration & Reporting

Maintain basic records of planting schedules, garden maintenance activities, and chemical/fertiliser use.

Submit weekly updates or reports to the Estate Manager when required.

Assist with budgeting for garden materials, plants, and tools.

3. Required Skills & Competencies

Strong horticultural knowledge, particularly with plants and landscaping suited to the Stellenbosch/Winelands region.

Excellent gardening skills, including plant care, pruning, irrigation, and landscaping.

Ability to lead and supervise a small team of casual workers.

Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering a beautiful, well-maintained garden at all times.

Good physical fitness and the ability to perform manual outdoor work.

Time management and ability to plan ahead.

Reliability, honesty, and strong work ethic.

4. Qualifications & Experience

Minimum 3-5 years' experience in gardening or landscaping, preferably on a private estate, farm, or hospitality property.

Previous experience supervising garden staff is an advantage.

Formal horticulture/landscaping qualification beneficial but not essential.

Experience working with irrigation systems, equipment, and garden machinery.

5. Personal Attributes

Passionate about gardening and maintaining high standards.

Professional, respectful, and trustworthy.

Able to work independently without constant supervision.

Flexible and solution-driven.

Takes initiative and ownership of the garden's appearance.

6. Working Conditions

Monday to Friday (on-site).

Outdoor, physically intensive work in varying weather conditions.

Overtime or weekend work only if requested for special projects or urgent issues.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience:

Gardening: 3 years (Required) Management: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person