Address£24,000 — £30,000 (dependent on role and experience)
If you’re passionate about working outdoors, we could have the perfect role for you — as we’re looking for Gardeners, Estate Workers and Machinery Operators to join us. Our in-house Grounds Team is based at Eccle Riggs Hall on the edge of Broughton-in-Furness. We look after our own private gardens, woodland and parkland spanning a 250 acre estate in this beautiful part of the Lake District. It’s a growing team and we’d love you to be part of it.
So who are we looking for? You may have relevant qualifications and experience but for some roles, we’re just as
How many vacancies are there?
We’re looking for a couple of people to join our team so if you’ve worked in Grounds / gardens or are used to using big bits of kit (dumpers / diggers etc), we’d love to hear from you.
Are these full time / permanent roles?
Absolutely. We may be a publishing company but we take as much pride in our grounds and gardens as we do in our books. We employ all our own writers and editors — and the same applies to our grounds and estates teams too. Everyone who joins us has a 6-month probationary period but as a permanent employee you’ll get lots of lovely employee benefits right from day 1.
How big is the estate?
The total area of the estate is just over 250 acres — a mixture of woodland, parkland and even a 9-hole golf course (you get free membership as an employee!). We also have about 20 acres of gardens over a number of local sites which are looked after by our own team of skilled gardeners.
How big is the team?
We have an overall grounds and gardens team of around 15 people, all working in the local area but not necessarily always at the same site.
Do I need any formal qualifications to be able to apply?
It depends which role you’re interested in. Some of our team have qualifications but others have simply had a real passion and have learned lots on the job. Obviously, we wouldn’t expect you to drive a digger or use a chainsaw unless you know what you’re doing! But you will need a driver’s licence as you could be working on a variety of sites in the area.
Will I be hands-on?
Definitely — we like everyone in the team to get stuck in.
So what will I be doing?
Again it depends which role you come in to do! Our Gardeners look after our more formal gardens, Estate Workers spend much of their time on general woodland and parkland maintenance but are also involved in jobs like tree-planting and turfing. And if you become one of our Machinery Operators, you could be working on anything from digging ponds to installing drainage. We have all sorts of kit for you to operate — excavators, dumpers, a telehandler, tractors, ride on mowers…
Will I need to look after lawns and the golf course?
We have a team focused on mowing, but you may need to help at times (don’t worry, you don’t need any previous experience as a greenkeeper). There will also be some wildflower scything at the end of the summer (we train our team in this each year to keep them, and the scythes, sharp!)
What about tree work? Will I be expected to use a chainsaw?
Experience of tree work isn’t necessary, but if you do have some, please tell us when you apply as it’s a skill we’d definitely use. And yes, some of the team are trained to use chainsaws given the amount of woodland we look after. We’ll make sure you have all the necessary safety gear!
Will I need a spraying licence?
Ideally, but we’ll provide any training if necessary — and we do try to limit our use of herbicides wherever possible.
What sort of projects could I be involved in?
Gosh, it could be anything from delivering planting schemes at one of our larger properties, or preparing ground for turfing to creating new wetland environments. It very much depends what sort of skills you have and what role you’re offered.
If I get asked to come to an interview, what will I need?
As part of the assessment, we’ll ask you to get stuck in, so definitely bring your boots (and probably a waterproof too as you’ll be outside for much of the time).
And if I’d need to relocate for one of these roles – isn’t the Lake District really expensive?
CGP’s based in Broughton-in-Furness which is right on the edge of the National Park but there are lots of affordable towns in and around the area without having to live in the heart of the Lakes.
Did a little bird mention CGP ducks and peacocks?
Of course! Doesn’t every publisher have a flock or two?
And you mentioned generous benefits — could you tell me a bit more?
Sure. As well as our stunning Lake District working environment, you’ll also get free membership of our Leisure and Golf Club, cashback on everyday health treatments and of course great holidays and pension. What’s more, there are quirky goings-on all year round. You’ll have to join us to find out more… And don’t forget to watch our Great Place to Work Video.
