Position: Estate Maintenance Manager/Game Keeper
Location: Scenic Estate in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Situated under the Malvern Hills on the Herefordshire/Gloucestershire Border
Our prestigious estate, which includes luxury holiday lets, seeks an experienced and highly motivated individual to manage all aspects of gardening, estate maintenance, and gamekeeping. This is an exceptional opportunity to work in an idyllic rural setting, offering a varied and rewarding role within a well-established estate.
Key Responsibilities:
Estate and Garden Maintenance:
- Oversee all aspects of estate maintenance, including the upkeep of gardens, hedges, lawns, borders, and seasonal planting.
- Maintain high standards of landscaping and garden aesthetics across the estate.
- Ensure the proper functioning and upkeep of the biomass system, including daily management.
- Manage the maintenance and cleaning of the indoor swimming pool.
- Monitor and maintain plant and equipment, ensuring all tools are in safe and operational condition.
Holiday Let and Property Management:
- Organise maintenance and gardening schedules around guest arrivals and departures, ensuring minimal disruption to the holiday experience.
- Collaborate with the housekeeping team to ensure the luxury holiday lets are maintained to the highest standard.
- Ensure the estate’s guest accommodation remains in pristine condition, managing any necessary repairs or improvements.
Gamekeeping and Estate Management:
- Lead the management of 14 days of driven game shoots annually, overseeing all logistics, preparations, and activities.
- Implement predator control and habitat management strategies to promote the health of wildlife and game on the estate.
- Supervise and manage a part-time groundsman during the summer season, ensuring effective delegation of tasks.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Operate estate machinery, including chainsaws, ATVs, and tractors, ensuring safe and efficient use.
- Provide occasional driving services and assist with general security duties around the estate.
- Maintain a professional and approachable demeanor when interacting with clients, guests, and staff.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Gamekeeping Expertise: Proven experience in organising and managing driven game shoots. Comprehensive knowledge of predator control, habitat management, and gamekeeping best practices.
- Estate Maintenance Experience: Demonstrated ability in managing garden maintenance, including lawn care, hedge trimming, and border management. Practical knowledge of estate upkeep, including machinery operation (chainsaw, ATV, tractor).
- Organisational Acumen: Ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities and prioritise tasks around the estate’s seasonal demands, ensuring smooth operation.
- Certifications: A valid Firearms Certificate (FAC) and Shotgun Certificate. A current UK driving licence.
- Professionalism & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with clients, guests, and colleagues. High standards of professionalism and a passion for countryside management.
What We Offer:
- A competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
- A charming 3-bedroom detached cottage, located on the estate.
- A dynamic and professional work environment within a prestigious and supportive team.
- Long-term career prospects for a dedicated individual passionate about estate management and gamekeeping.
This is a rare opportunity for a dedicated estate manager with experience in gamekeeping, gardening, and property maintenance, to make a meaningful impact on a prestigious estate. 3 Bedroomed house provided also there is a role for a partner to run the holiday let side as head housekeeper if this would be of interest.
If you are highly motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to contribute to the management of an exceptional rural estate, we invite you to apply.
