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MDCV UK

MDCV UK has a vision to bring the finest English and Provençal wines to the UK market. We have a long history of producing award-winning Provence Rosé and English Sparkling Wines, with an extensive infrastructure, both in France and the UK. We will be the largest producer of wine in each of these regions by 2024, with a combined production of over 10 million bottles annually.

Our French estates span over 1000 acres and are already established in many global markets, with sales of over 4 million bottles. In the UK, we are establishing the largest single vineyard site, based in Kent, and plan to be in full production from 2024.

As a business, we strive for innovation and use many cutting-edge techniques in our vineyards and winemaking. The ambition and scale of what we do allows us some of the most efficient operations in the world, while still producing high quality wine of award-winning standard.

We have a passion for sustainability and manage all our vineyards organically, while also employing pioneering techniques to minimise our impact on the environment, such as composting organic waste, harvesting rainwater and heating our sites using natural sources, such as ground source heat pumps.

While learning from our history and building for our future, we plan to revolutionise the English wine industry for the better.

Key responsibilities

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join our Farming and Conservation Team as Grounds & Gardens Maintenance Operative working primarily across the Silverhand Estate. The selected candidate will provide a varied grounds maintenance service for the company throughout the year which includes, producing annual maintenance plan for all the grounds, shrub bed maintenance, formal planting maintenance, soft landscaping and other associated horticultural operations. You will also be overseen and mentoring a horticulture apprentice from Plumptom College.

You will be working in a wide range of locations across the estate from Grade II listed building to staff accommodation and the company owned pub. This is an evolving role which will eventually progress to oversee a dedicated team of grounds people managing the soft landscaping of our planned winery and visitor centre.

The ideal candidate must be highly motivated to meet targets/schedules and complete work to a high standard and interest in gardening with wildlife in mind.

You must have at least 3 to 5 years of professional practical experience with keen interest in gardens and good plant knowledge and experience in using a wide range of garden estate machinery.

Valid driver’s license (with trailer entitlement a benefit) and preferably with RHS or NVQ Level 1 or equivalent certification/tickets/licences.

You will be responsible for:

* Setting up an annual maintenance plan for Manor Court (Grade II listed building), Court Lodge, Meadow View Cottage, the Golden Lion Pub and the front garden of the Cellar Door shop and when required other company owned properties.

* Implement the plan by carrying out general ground and garden maintenance jobs, e.g., bed preparation and care, new planting, fruit tree pruning, etc.

* Gardening with wildlife in mind.

* Liaising with other team members in preparing Manor Court’s Garden for company and public events.

* Contribute to the overall team’s work when necessary.

* Oversee and guide the work of a horticulture trainee.

* Be accountable to the Estate and Conservation Manager.

Requirements

* Be self-motivated, with the ability to work at pace, using your own initiative.

* 3-5 years of experience of management significant gardens, ideally in a heritage environment.

* Experience in fruit tree and shrubs pruning.

* Ability to operate and keep in good working condition a variety of ground maintenance tools and equipment.

* Demonstrable experience in lawn and herbaceous border care.

* Good horticultural knowledge including interest in plant propagation and planning for replacing plants across the garden.

* A good awareness of health and safety in the garden.

* PA1 and PA6 certification desirable, but not essential.

* Confident driving 4X4s, ATVs and pulling trailers.

* Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and administrative skills.

* Ability to work independently and complete assigned tasks within identified time frames.

* Organised, dependable and detail-oriented team player.

A degree of physical effort is required to operate ride on mowers, herbicide applicators and operation of handheld machinery which require risk assessment, safe operating procedures and PPE to operate safely on the highway and in public areas.

Work will be varied between duties and will often continue in inclement weather where appropriate PPE is provided. Staff at risk will undergo health surveillance for noise, vibration or chemical usage. Staff will also be fully trained in the use of equipment.

Benefits

* Be part of an exciting and disruptive English Sparkling wine producer.

* Participate in company events.

* Generous staff discounts.

* 25 days leave excluding bank holidays and Christmas.

* Option to join the staff pension scheme.

Application deadline 10th September 2024