Summary
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 Sissinghurst. 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.
You may be asked to work occasional weekends, bank holidays and evenings.
The advertised salary for this role will be in effect from 1st April.
What it's like to work here
Sissinghurst is a highly personal garden planned by two people whose artistry was matched by their plant knowledge and who had an individual point of view. To perpetuate a garden made by two such individuals requires gardeners not only with supreme horticultural knowledge and skill but also gardeners with vision, sensitivity and most importantly an instinctive feeling for the spirit of the place.
What you'll be doing
You'll be helping to keep the gardenin tiptop condition every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as weeding, pruning and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors.
Other duties might include propagation, cutting flowers for the house, preparing plants for sale, tree safety work and garden design and restoration. You may be involved in recycling and managing waste, along with the rest of the garden team.
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. good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
6. a driver with a full licence
Criteria for all other applicants:
7. an experienced 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 tractor, 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. confidence in communication and public engagement
13. experience in work programme and project support
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