Summary
Joining our team as a Gardener at the Shugborough Estate means stepping into a role at the heart of the National Trust’s mission to protect, restore, and share special places with everyone. This is an exciting moment to join us, as we begin delivering a refreshed organisational strategy that focuses on visitor growth, deeper community connection, and tackling unequal access to history, beauty and nature.
What it's like to work here
You’ll be part of a skilled and dedicated team caring for one of the Trust’s most groundbreaking and creative gardens aimed at inspiring and empowering a nation of sustainable gardeners. The team is comprised of over 150 volunteers and six gardeners, all working closely together under the guidance of the Head Gardener, to whom you will report. Together, you’ll help us be a leading example of climate-positive approaches, building connections and embracing accessibility in the broadest sense.
What you'll be doing
Your work will span gardening, estate presentation and operational support, ensuring Shugborough Estate remains safe, beautiful, and thriving for nature and people alike. As we step into a period of garden development and project work, you’ll adapt, get things done, find creative solutions and thrive during a time of change. Regular weekend working is part of the rhythm here, reflecting the estate’s busy, visitor-focused nature. You’ll be a visible and welcoming presence, helping create meaningful experiences that inspire more people to enjoy and value the outdoors.
Volunteers are central to our work, and you’ll play a key role in supporting, motivating, and working alongside them. Whether leading gardening tasks, sharing skills, or building a sense of community, you’ll help ensure everyone feels part of something bigger. This role is ideal for someone who loves being outdoors, thrives within a fast-pace and varied workload, and wants to make a tangible difference. You’ll be up for a challenge, and you’ll join a passionate team at a pivotal moment helping shape how we open our gardens sustainably for more people.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you're:
1. an experienced and enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener
2. knowledgeable about plants, with a creative eye for detail
3. experienced with machinery, including tractors, ride on machines, mowers, strimmers, hedgecutters and with knowledge of maintenance
4. a driver with a full licence
5. able to work as part of a team managing your own workload
6. able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines
7. able to use a wide range of communication skills
8. confident in public engagement
9. experience with compliance and IT systems
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