Summary
As Assistant Gardener, you’ll be working with a team to deliver the day‑to‑day care of the garden and maintain high presentation standards. The Thames Valley Group comprises gardens across three National Trust locations: Basildon Park, Greys Court and Nuffield Place. You will mainly work at Basildon Park. This role will include a range of practical tasks to develop, improve and look after the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects.
Salary: £10,335 pro rata (£25,837.50 FTE) Contract: Permanent Working Hours: 15 hrs/week Working Pattern: 2 out of 7 days a week on a rota basis, including weekend and bank holiday work.
What it's like to work here
In this role, you’ll report to the Head Gardener. The Gardens team includes a full‑time senior gardener and gardener at Greys Court and a full‑time gardener at Basildon Park, plus many hard‑working volunteers at all three gardens, including Nuffield Place.
What you'll be doing
Daily responsibilities may include assisting with planting and maintaining shrub and borders, mulching, hedge cutting, and lawn mowing. You’ll work alongside gardeners and volunteers, interacting with the public every day, answering garden‑related questions and sharing what you are doing with pride. The role can be physically challenging; machinery such as tractors, hedge trimmers, and pedestrian mowers will be used with training provided.
Who we're looking for
* Comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
* A team player who can also work independently
* Focused on providing great service to everyone you meet
* Willing to learn new skills
* Detail‑oriented
* Well‑organised
The package
Benefits include:
* Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% of 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, plus holiday purchase scheme (subject to 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.
Location
Thames Valley, Lower Basiildon, Reading, RG8 9NR
Documents
Assistant Gardener - Career Level A2.pdf
Requirements
Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK.
Additional information
Closing Date: 3rd May 2026
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 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 about your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
Additional Notes
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.
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