Gardener - Stourbridge Summary As a Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands-on member of the team, involved in every aspect of gardening at Kinver Edge & the Rock Houses. 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 based on annualised hours, where the amount of hours you work each month may vary, however your salary will be paid in 12 equal instalments over the year. You'll work 780 per year. You may be asked to work occasional weekends, bank holidays and evenings. A full driving licence will be required as the ability to drive estate vehicles is essential to the role. What it's like to work here We are a small, friendly staff team at the Rock Houses so we all do what in necessary to ensure that the property is well cared for and provide a great experience for our visitors. The Rock House gardens are not formal gardens and have a very country cottage design and feel. There is a small orchard, meadow and 3 allotments and they are managed with the same ethos that the families who lived here would have used – reuse & recycle as well as supporting the National Trusts Strategy for "People & Nature Thriving". The Rock Houses are set within Kinver Edge, 585 acres of woodland & heathland with much of it awarded a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific interest) for its ecological importance. There is also an Iron Age hill fort (a Scheduled Ancient Monument) where there are sweeping views across 4 counties. What you'll be doing As the Gardener, you'll be helping to keep the garden in tiptop condition. This might involve regular checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as weeding, pruning, mowing and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers, chainsaws and tractors. You will be responsible for leading a team of volunteer gardeners, all associated compliance tasks / risk assessments, garden maintenance planning, and firewood supply & processing for the Rock Houses. You will be on the Duty Manager rota. As the Duty Manager you'll be responsible for ensuring the property is opened at the start of the day and secured at the end. You'll oversee any emergencies, respond to any difficult situations that may arise and be the main contact for all property staff/volunteers. Other duties might include some general handyman tasks, propagation, preparing plants / produce for sale, hedge laying, garden design and restoration, supporting the property team with events and opening & closing of the car parks plus any other tasks that are needed to support the property. Who we're looking for We'd love to hear from you if you’re: an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail. experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance a driver with a full licence able to manage a demanding outdoor role good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own 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 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.