Summary
**Important notice** In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from National Trust employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.
As a Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands-on member of a small garden team, involved in every aspect of gardening at Ham House and Garden, Ham and Petersham Meadows.
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. You will carry out Duty Management on a rota basis across the site.
The advertised salary is inclusive of an Outer London weighting allowance of £3315
What it's like to work here
Atmospheric Ham House is situated on the banks of the River Thames. This 17th century country home has a varied visitor experience, a productive kitchen garden, outdoor events, workshops, and family-friendly activities.
We’re looking for someone with a practical approach to work, with sustainability and environmental sensitivity at the heart. The role is physically challenging, and we use a wide range of machinery and equipment to help us get our work done. The use of machinery such as hedge cutters, trimmers, pedestrian and ride on mowers, is essential, but training will be provided. You need a full driving licence and to be prepared to work in all weathers. Tractor and chainsaw accreditations are a bonus, but are not essential.
What you'll be doing
The garden team consists of a Head Gardener, two Gardeners and a part time Assistant Gardener. Our working hours are 7.30am-4pm Monday to Thursday, and 7.30am-1pm on Fridays.
Your responsibilities will include hedge cutting and lawn mowing (ride on and pedestrian mowers), maintaining mixed borders, gravel paths, and managing garden waste using our composting facilities. You will manage groups of volunteers and ensure that work is undertaken safely. You’ll talk to the visitors, answering a variety of garden-related questions.
Other duties may include propagation, cut flower production, harvesting produce, tree safety work, ensuring health and safety compliance, topiary maintenance, involvement in events and filming projects and some admin duties.
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. confidence in communication and public engagement
Criteria for all other applicants:
6. an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before
7. knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail.
8. experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance
9. a driver with a full licence
10. able to manage a demanding outdoor role
11. good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
12. equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own
13. able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines
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