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:• Leads the delivery of long-term garden direction and conservation principles within a smaller-scale property context.• Manages resources, compliance and planning to deliver high standards of horticulture and visitor experience.• Applies practical horticultural knowledge to maintain and enhance the garden’s significance and sustainability.• Leads a small team of staff and volunteers to deliver garden objectives and foster inclusive working culture.• Builds relationships and shares horticultural knowledge to enhance public understanding• Manages budgets, plans and resources to ensure efficient garden operations and delivery.Additional criteria for all other applicants. We’d love to hear from you if you’re: · experienced in managing a varied garden in all seasons· able to draw on your excellent knowledge of plants and plant care· comfortable talking to all kinds of people and sharing your knowledge and expertise· used to managing operational risk and compliance requirements relevant to horticulture· committed to working as part of a wider team to build a culture of inclusion· adept at managing resources, budgets and plans to make sure work gets done on time and to the highest standards· qualified to RHS level 3 or above (or the equivalent vocational experience). Head GardenerLytes Cary Manor is a relatively small property and as such has a really friendly atmosphere, making it a great place to work. At the heart of the property is a Grade 1 listed manor house of layered historical phases and a home resonating with family life and values. Between house and the wider estate is an ordered garden of rooms with living walls of hedges, colourful borders, lawns and orchards. The garden is Grade II listed and was created by the Jenners at the beginning of the 20th century and the design and layout are inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. Lytes Cary welcomes around 80,000 between February to November.For more information our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor.You'll be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, and high standard of horticulture, conservation and visitor experience in the garden.As Head Gardener at Lytes Cary Manor, you’ll lead the care, conservation, and daily maintenance of the garden, ensuring high horticultural standards and an exceptional visitor experience. You’ll manage a team of staff and volunteers, prioritise workloads, and contribute to garden projects and development. Working closely with the Visitor Experience team, you’ll bring the garden’s story to life, incorporating the ‘Spirit of Place’ into its presentation. You’ll also collaborate with other gardens in the South Somerset Portfolio and take on Duty Manager responsibilities, including weekend and Bank Holidays.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. Closing Date: 30th November 2025 To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page.If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.ukIf you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.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 a 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 around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre. Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early. 166527IRC166527SomertonPermanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)Ends: Nov 30th Important notice In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancyWe’re looking for a Head Gardener to lead a team of staff and volunteers and to guide the care and future development of the garden at Lytes Cary Manor.Salary: £30,966 per annumContract: PermanentHours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. As part of the role you are expected to undertake Duty Manager responsibilities and you'll be working weekends and Bank holidays on a rota pattern.Please provide a cover letter and CV when applying for this role.Lytes Cary, Charlton Mackrell, Somerton, TA11 7HUCompliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK30,966 pa