Location:
Toorak, Melbourne, with occasional travel to the family's farm (around twice a month)
Direct reports:
None initially. There may be scope to recruit an apprentice in approximately three years subject to workload.
Employment type:
Full-time, permanent
Remuneration:
$100,000 package, including superannuation
Employer:
Private Family
Location:
Toorak, Melbourne, with occasional travel to the family's farm (around twice a month)
Reports to:
Estate Manager
Direct reports:
None initially. There may be scope to recruit an apprentice in approximately three years subject to workload.
Employment type:
Full-time, permanent
Remuneration:
$100,000 package, including superannuation
About the role
A private family is seeking an experienced, dedicated gardener to take ownership of a very large residential garden in Toorak, as well as the garden at the family's farm property. This is a hands-on role for a skilled horticulturist who takes pride in maintaining gardens to an exceptional standard and wants a long-term position.
You will work with a high degree of autonomy and discretion, planning and carrying out the ongoing care, seasonal programs and improvement of both gardens. As the role develops, you may help shape the garden's future direction.
Key responsibilities
Garden maintenance and presentation
Maintain the Toorak garden to a consistently high standard year-round, including lawns, hedges, borders, trees, shrubs and any productive areas.
Carry out pruning, planting, mulching, weeding, fertilising and soil management using sound horticultural practice.
Manage irrigation systems, including monitoring, adjustment and minor repairs.
Monitor and manage pests, diseases and plant health, using sustainable methods where possible.
Planning and seasonal programs
Develop and follow annual and seasonal maintenance plans for both properties.
Plan and deliver planting schedules, seasonal displays and garden improvements..
Recommend improvements,



replacements and longer-term projects, and prepare straightforward budgets where needed.
Farm garden
Travel to the family's farm around twice a month to maintain and develop its garden.
Contractors, equipment and supplies
Coordinate and supervise specialist contractors, such as arborists, irrigation technicians and landscapers, as required.
Maintain garden tools, machinery and equipment in safe working order.
Source plants, materials and supplies, keeping costs sensible and records accurate.
Health, safety and property care
Work safely and in line with WHS requirements, including the safe handling and storage of chemicals.
Report any property issues or security concerns observed around the grounds.
About you
Essential
Formal horticultural qualifications, such as a Certificate III in Horticulture, Diploma of Horticulture or equivalent.
At least 15 years of professional gardening experience.
A stable work history that shows long-term commitment to employers.
Broad, practical knowledge of plant care, pruning, soils, irrigation, and pest and disease management.
Current driver's licence and willingness to travel to the farm property around twice a month.
Willingness to undergo a national police check.
Highly regarded
Experience working directly for a private employer on major estate gardens.
Experience maintaining large, established or heritage gardens.
Chemical handling accreditation (ChemCert or equivalent).
Experience coordinating contractors and managing garden budgets.
Experience with rural or farm properties.
Personal Attributes
Discreet and trustworthy and understands the confidentiality expected in a private family setting.
Self-motivated and organised, able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Takes genuine pride in the work and pays close attention to detail.
Communicates clearly and courteously with family, household staff and contractors.
Reliable and flexible, particularly around seasonal demands and family events.
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📌 Estate Gardener (Melbourne)
🏢 seek.com.au
📍 Melbourne