Hire a Gardener in 24h

Lighthouse Careers operates on a success-fee model with no upfront costs. You only pay our placement fee once we successfully place a Gardener who meets your requirements. There are no consultation fees, search fees, or costs during the hiring process. Our fee is competitive within the luxury private staffing market and reflects our commitment to finding exceptional candidates. We believe in earning our fee through results, which is why we invest significantly in our vetting process and candidate network to ensure you hire a Gardener who exceeds your expectations.

Our typical placement timeline is 1-2 weeks from initial consultation to successful placement. We deliver your first shortlist of qualified candidates within 24 hours of receiving your requirements. This rapid response is possible due to our extensive network of pre-vetted professionals and our understanding of the luxury staffing market in Greece. The timeline may vary depending on specific requirements such as language skills, specialized horticultural expertise, or availability for immediate start dates during Mykonos's peak season.

When hiring a Gardener in Mykonos, Greece, look for candidates with formal horticultural training or equivalent experience in Mediterranean gardening. Key qualifications include knowledge of drought-resistant plants, irrigation systems, and seasonal maintenance suitable for Mykonos's arid climate. Experience with luxury estate maintenance, pool landscaping, and outdoor entertainment areas is valuable. Certifications in pesticide application, landscape design, or specialized skills like topiary work add significant value. Language skills in English and ideally Greek facilitate communication with local suppliers and contractors.

Our comprehensive vetting process includes thorough background checks, reference verification from previous employers, and skills assessments specific to gardening and estate maintenance. We verify professional certifications, conduct in-depth interviews to assess cultural fit, and evaluate practical knowledge of Mediterranean horticulture. For Gardener positions in Mykonos, we specifically assess experience with island logistics, seasonal property management, and working with international clients. All candidates undergo identity verification and we check their legal right to work in Greece.

Yes, we provide a comprehensive replacement guarantee with every placement. If your Gardener doesn't meet expectations or leaves within the guarantee period, we will replace them at no additional cost. This demonstrates our confidence in our vetting process and commitment to your satisfaction. The guarantee covers various scenarios including performance issues, cultural mismatches, or unexpected departures. Our goal is to ensure you have consistent, high-quality gardening services for your Mykonos property throughout the season and beyond.

Gardening in Mykonos presents unique challenges including strong Meltemi winds, limited water resources, salt air exposure, and rocky terrain with limited topsoil. A qualified Gardener must understand drought-resistant Mediterranean plants, efficient irrigation systems, and wind-resistant landscaping. The island's remote location requires advance planning for plant sourcing and equipment delivery. Seasonal property management is crucial as many estates are unoccupied during winter months. Additionally, working with the island's traditional Cycladic architecture while maintaining luxury standards requires specialized expertise and cultural sensitivity.

Our comprehensive service includes initial consultation to understand your specific requirements, candidate sourcing from our global network, thorough vetting and background checks, interview coordination, and contract negotiation assistance. We provide ongoing support during the placement process and after hire. Our service covers salary benchmarking for the Mykonos market, advice on accommodation arrangements, and guidance on seasonal work patterns. We also assist with work permit requirements for non-EU candidates and provide cultural integration support to ensure smooth onboarding.

Getting started is simple - contact Lighthouse Careers for an initial consultation where we'll discuss your property's specific needs, garden size, and maintenance requirements. We'll assess your timeline, budget expectations, and any special skills needed such as pool maintenance or event preparation capabilities. Our team will then create a detailed job specification and begin sourcing candidates immediately. Within 24 hours, you'll receive your first shortlist of qualified Gardeners. From there, we coordinate interviews and support you through the selection and hiring process.

Gardener salaries in Mykonos vary based on experience, qualifications, and accommodation arrangements. Live-in positions typically range from €1,800-€3,500 monthly, while daily rates for seasonal work range from €80-€150. Factors affecting salary include estate size, additional responsibilities like pool maintenance, language skills, and specialized expertise in luxury landscaping. The seasonal nature of Mykonos properties often results in premium rates during peak months (June-September). We provide detailed salary benchmarking based on current market rates and your specific requirements.

The choice between live-in and live-out arrangements depends on your property's needs and local availability. Live-in Gardeners provide security, can respond to irrigation emergencies, and offer greater flexibility for estate events. However, suitable accommodation must be provided. Live-out arrangements work well near Mykonos Town or areas with good transportation. Consider that accommodation scarcity during peak season makes live-in positions attractive to candidates. Many clients prefer live-in arrangements for properties requiring year-round maintenance or those hosting frequent events requiring landscape preparation.

Travel requirements depend on your specific needs. Some clients own multiple properties across the Greek islands requiring a Gardener who can travel between locations. Others may need services split between a main residence and guest houses across their Mykonos estate. We can source Gardeners comfortable with inter-island travel and familiar with ferry schedules and logistics. Some positions involve seasonal migration between summer properties in Mykonos and winter residences in warmer climates. Clear travel expectations help us match you with candidates who meet your mobility requirements.

We typically recommend a 30-90 day trial period allowing both parties to assess compatibility and performance. Greek employment law permits probationary periods, and we help structure contracts accordingly. Contracts should address seasonal variations, accommodation terms, equipment usage, and specific duties like event preparation or pool area maintenance. For seasonal positions, contracts often run from April through October with options for year-round retention. We assist with contract drafting to ensure compliance with Greek labor laws while protecting your interests and clearly defining expectations for both parties.