Gardener - Bath
Summary
***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY ***
As a Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands-on member of the garden team, involved in every aspect of gardening at Prior Park. Responsible for day-to-day maintenance, and the high standards of horticulture, you’ll also play a vital role in managing a team of volunteers and improving the experience of visitors to the garden and wider estate.
Salary: 26,793 per annum
Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 18 months
Working hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. You’ll be asked to work one weekend in four plus some bank holidays on a rota.
Potential start date: ASAP
Interviews: to be held at Prior Park on the 11th September 2025.
What it's like to work here
You would be joining our small team of staff in the garden team as part of a wider National trust team. You would be working with volunteers on a daily basis to maintain the presentation of the garden and engaging with visitors about the story of the garden and seasonal interest.
You will report directly to the Head Gardener and work in a culture of collaboration with the visitor experiences team, facilities team, volunteer & community team and National Trust consultants. We prioritise skills sharing within the team, so you’ll have a chance to work in all areas. We’ll work with you to plan your career development and do what we can to help you pursue your horticultural interests.
We have a series of social events for staff and volunteers and we do plan the occasional visit to other National Trust properties for knowledge exchanges and learning.
Prior Park Landscape Garden is an iconic Georgian garden overlooking the World Heritage Site of Bath. this opportunity is to work in a 30 acre urban garden designed to work with nature and the surrounding landscape. It tells the story of gardens in the c18th century, with a wholesome history of follies and temples and a continuous flow of water throughout the site in several lakes and cascades. For more information about our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park-landscape-garden
What you'll be doing
You'll be helping to keep the garden in tiptop condition every day. This will involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, planning routine tasks such as weeding, pruning and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors.
You’ll work closely with the rest of the team to ensure a smooth delivery of work in the garden including tree safety work, compost production, managing contractors, water management and infrastructure repairs.
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.