Summary
As Assistant Gardener, across The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Kedleston Hall and Norbury Manor you’ll be working with a team to deliver the day-to-day care of the gardens and maintain high presentation standards. This role will include a range of practical tasks to develop, improve and look after the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects.
Our Gardens are heritage sites and home to some of the most extensive plant collection in Europe. Our Gardeners are responsible for the conservation and development of plant collections and the Gardens. You'll be a part of the team of professionals caring for all aspects of the Gardens across the portfolio.
Interview Date: 24th April 2026
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
Reporting to the Head Gardener, you'll work across the portfolio of Gardens supporting the teams at each property. Travelling between the properties will be essential to this role, this can be discussed later in the process.
The Children's Country House at Sudbury is a grade I listed Hall situated within grade II listed Gardens & Parkland. Features in the Gardens date back to 1690 with adaptations since made through the history of the Gardens. The Children's Country House is an innovative visitor offer to encourage families to explore a heritage site through a fun experience, learning and exploring.
Kedleston Hall is a grade I listed Hall situated within grade I listed Gardens & Parkland. Originally designed by Robert Adam, the Gardens feature an intact 18th Century Garden which are currently being restored.
The Old Manor at Norbury is a medieval site with a large National Trust holiday cottage. The gardens were redeveloped in the 1970s featuring several garden designs across the property.
The portfolio is working towards ending unequal access, providing experiences for all while making our places welcoming for everyone.
What you'll be doing
Daily responsibilities may include assisting with the care of shrubs and herbaceous borders, mulching, hedge cutting, planting and mowing.
You'll work alongside gardeners and a team of volunteers. You'll be engaging with the public talking about the work you are doing and features of the gardens.
We're looking for someone with a practical approach to work, getting the day-to-day work done and an interest in gardening. The role will involve physical work, we work in all weathers and use a wide variety of machinery and equipment to help us get our work done. The use of machinery and equipment is essential, but training will be provided.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what's possible in this role.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you're
1. comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
2. a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
3. focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
4. willing to learn new skills
5. focused on detail
6. well organised approach
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