Groundsman & Handyman
Groundsman & Handyman
Traditional Country Estate | Excellent On-Site Accommodation | 32 Hours per Week
The Position
An opportunity has arisen for a capable, conscientious and trustworthy Groundsman & Handyman to join the team at a traditional country estate.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep and presentation of the grounds around the principal house, together with general practical assistance across the wider estate and in hand farm as required.
The position would suit an experienced, hands-on individual who takes pride in maintaining a property to a high standard, enjoys working outdoors and appreciates the varied responsibilities associated with traditional estate life.
The role will encompass grounds maintenance, general repairs, occasional woodland and tree work, providing cover for farm duties (livestock), care of domestic animals and driving duties when required.
The position offers 32 hours per week over four days, together with a spacious four-bedroom house and garden on site, making this an attractive opportunity for someone seeking a rural lifestyle and a varied, practical role.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Grounds & Estate Maintenance
- Maintaining lawns, grassed areas, verges and pathways.
- Grass cutting, strimming, hedge trimming and general seasonal groundskeeping.
- Maintaining the appearance and tidiness of the grounds of the principal house and surrounding buildings.
- Undertaking routine maintenance of estate machinery, tools and equipment.
- Some gardening knowledge would be beneficial, but not essential.
Property Maintenance & Handyman Duties
- Carrying out general repairs and maintenance to buildings, outbuildings, gates, fencing and other structures.
- Undertaking minor carpentry, painting and other practical maintenance tasks.
- Identifying maintenance requirements and ensuring that issues are reported and addressed appropriately and promptly.
- Maintaining a tidy, safe and orderly working environment.
- Routine maintenance of district biomass boilers and wood pellet storage.
Woodland & Tree Work
- Assisting with occasional woodland management and general tree-related work, and hedge planting.
- Clearing fallen branches, managing vegetation and maintaining woodland tracks and access routes.
- Operating appropriate machinery and equipment, subject to relevant training and certification.
- Ensuring a well-managed supply of logs is available.
- Occasional Farm Cover
Providing occasional cover for routine farm duties when required.
Assisting with general estate and agricultural tasks as reasonably necessary.
The role is varied, and a flexible, willing approach to the changing requirements of the estate is essential.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful applicant will demonstrate:Previous experience in estate grounds maintenance, gardening, property maintenance or a similar practical occupation.
Good general handyman skills and the ability to undertake routine repairs independently.
Confidence operating grounds maintenance machinery and maintaining tools and equipment.
A practical, resourceful and self-motivated approach to work.
A keen eye for detail and pride in maintaining high standards.
Reliability, discretion and respect for the privacy of the estate and its occupants.
The ability to work independently, or with others, organise daily tasks and respond flexibly to changing priorities.
Experience with tractors, chainsaws, woodland management and agricultural work would be an advantage. Appropriate training and certification will be required for specialist or safety-critical activities.
A full, clean driving licence would be advantageous.Accommodation
A particularly attractive feature of this position is the provision of a spacious four-bedroom house and garden situated on site.
The accommodation comprises:Four bedrooms.
A private garden.
A single garage.
Water included.
A significant contribution towards heating costs.
A significant contribution to Council Tax
This provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy comfortable accommodation in a private rural setting, with the convenience of living on the estate.
Further details regarding the accommodation and associated terms will be discussed with interested applicants.
Terms of EmploymentWorking hours: 32 hours per week.
Working pattern: Four days per week, with days to be agreed.
Accommodation: Four-bedroom house with private garden and single garage.
Utilities: Water included, with a significant contribution towards heating costs.
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience and suitability.
Location: Private country estate (YO62), details available upon application.