Significant practical horticultural experience supported by appropriate qualifications to at least RHS level 3 or above (or equivalent vocational experience) a leader with experience of managing and supporting teams of staff and volunteers experience of managing a diverse garden throughout the seasons and able to draw on your excellent knowledge of plants and plant care knowledge and understanding of the conservation of historic landscapes and the ability to work with key management documents including Statement of Significance, Conservation Management Plan and the Garden Management Plan experience with managing operational risk and compliance requirements relevant to horticulture experience with managing resources, budgets and work plans to ensure quality delivery a leader for inclusion, who finds ways to create an inclusive cultureability to manage conflicting priorities Head GardenerThe Trust owns and looks after 10% of the total area of the Isle of Wight, including 17 miles of coastline, many areas of outstanding natural beauty and several unique historic attractions and features. We have 16 holiday cottages in our care on the Isle of Wight ranging from one to seven bedroom properties. As our Head Gardener, you’ll be managing a small team of predominantly volunteers. You’ll also lead any projects to restore or rework areas of the garden, giving you the opportunity for hands-on creativity and a dynamic approach to gardening.You'll work with colleagues from other departments to make sure that people visiting can experience everything that makes this garden so special, including its stories, its challenges and the wildlife to be found within it.Your priority will be to make sure that everyone feels welcome here. You’ll demonstrate inclusive leadership and work with others to make the changes needed to improve access to the garden. You’ll have a close working relationship with experts from the Trust’s internal consultancy, as well as working with and learning from others beyond the Trust.As a senior leader, you'll be expected to work some weekends and bank holidays.The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)• Rental deposit loan scheme• Season ticket loan• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.• Flexible working whenever possible• Employee assistance programme• Free parking at most Trust places Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you. Closing Date: 12 April 2026 To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page.If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.ukIf you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.Equal Opportunities Statement The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here. Safeguarding Statement The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre. Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early. 173297IRC173297MottistonePermanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)Ends: Apr 12th 83.1 mi from LondonWe’re looking for a Head Gardener to lead a team of staff and volunteers and to guide the care and future development of the garden at Mottistone.This role is required to work with vulnerable groups including children and any offer of employment or volunteering is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. Mottistone, Longstone Farm House, Newport (IoW), PO30 4EACompliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK30,966 pa