Summary
As a gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands-on in managing every aspect of the small, walled garden on Lindisfarne. Responsible for day-to-day maintenance and the highest standards of horticulture, you’ll also play a vital role in improving the experience of visitors to the garden and wider estate.
This role is an annualised contract (780 hours per year), the amount of hours you work each month may vary, however your salary will be paid in 12 equal instalments over the year. Your working hours will reflect the seasonal nature of the garden. We would typically expect this to be 2-3 days a week in the spring/summer and less through the autumn/winter. You may be asked to work occasional weekends, bank holidays and evenings.
What it's like to work here
Remote, dramatic and constantly evolving; Lindisfarne has its own tidal rhythm, attracting significant numbers of visitors every year. The island offers a wild solitude and rare escape from daily modern life, with the Gertrude Jekyll garden a small oasis on this otherwise wind swept and exposed outpost of northeast England. Located within the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, this place abounds in wildlife. The Farne islands are dotted across the horizon – one of Europe’s most important seabird colonies – and to the south large numbers of Atlantic grey seals haul out on the unspoilt sandy beaches; their eerie song often heard carrying over the waves.
Perched atop an exposed whinsill cragg, the imposing Lindisfarne Castle dominates this part of the island and is a popular visitor attraction. You’ll check in at the castle each morning and occasionally use the space for meetings and any desk-based work.
What you'll be doing
You'll be responsible for keeping the gardenin tiptop condition every day, carrying out routine tasks such as weeding, pruning and mulching. You will be confident in the use of hand tools and small garden machinery. Other duties will include managing a small team of garden volunteers, recycling and managing garden waste as well as contributing to garden design and restoration.
You may occasionally be asked to help with the maintenance of some of the other outdoor areas that the National Trust manage at Lindisfarne.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you’re:
1. an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before
2. knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail.
3. experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance
4. a driver with a full licence
5. able to manage a demanding outdoor role
6. good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
7. equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own
8. able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines
The package
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