Summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Gardener to join the team in the West Cornwall group, responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and horticultural standards at Trengwainton with the flexibility of supporting our garden at Godolphin.
We are looking for someone to bring their passion, knowledge, and practical skills to help care for this beautiful yet distinctive Cornish garden at Trengwainton. Our priority is to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for all visitors, while offering opportunities to join us in looking after this remarkable place.
Salary; £13.74 per hour
Contract: Permanent
Hours/ working pattern: Part-time, 30 hours per week
What it's like to work here
Trengwainton is home to an important plant collection, which has continued to develop from its the early twentieth century beginning and the historic family’s passion for plants. The garden continues to flourish with the National Trust to this day. The extensive woodland garden also contains a walled garden that shelters some unusual and more tender plants and has areas of productive horticulture.
Reporting to the Head Gardener, you’ll work with the Senior Gardener in day-to-day operations in the gardens. You’ll help support our volunteers and assist in the safety and compliance within the garden. The role does require some weekend working on a rota.
For more information about our property please visit
What you'll be doing
As gardener at Trengwainton, you’ll be carrying out routine maintenance under the direction of the Senior Gardener and ensuring our volunteers are supported. You’ll have the chance to collaborate on new techniques and approaches, and be an advocate of positive teamwork, making the garden a fantastic place to work and thrive. You’ll also care for the plant collection, ensuring its development and resilience. You’ll be required to support across the wider garden team to ensure the care of our places in West Cornwall.
Who we're looking for
Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:
1. knowledge of practical horticulture and plant care
2. ability to contribute to teamwork and volunteer support
3. understanding of machinery use and safety compliance
4. experience in work programme and project support
5. confidence in communication and public engagement
6. a driver with a full licence
Addiotnal criteria for all other applicants. We'd love to hear from you if you’re:
7. an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before
8. knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail.
9. experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance
10. a driver with a full licence
11. able to manage a demanding outdoor role
12. good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
13. equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own
14. 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