Gardener

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 Chartwell. 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. 

There will be an expectation that you will work weekends and bank holidays on a rotational basis.

Chartwell is a truly wonderful property with international importance, having been the home of the Churchill family for over 40 years.  The gardens are the collaborative work of both Sir Winston and Lady Churchill featuring two rose gardens, a productive kitchen garden, mixed herbaceous borders, ponds, cascades, lakes, and parkland.

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In this role you will be joining a knowledgeable and enthusiastic team of like-minded, passionate gardeners who ensure the highest presentation standards are displayed to our visitors at all times. You will work alongside them in the day-to-day running of the gardens and supervising a group of loyal and skilled volunteers all of whom ensure the highest horticultural standards are maintained at all times. You will work throughout all areas of the garden and lead with the planning, care, and development of your own specific areas. 

Throughout the seasons you could be managing a variety of tasks from growing produce to maintaining lawns. You will also support senior members of the team with environmental compliance and operational risk within the gardens at Chartwell. You will assist with the delivery of pre-planned tasks stated in our garden management plan which will require restoring borders, maintaining water cascades, and developing behind-the-scenes areas for future public access. As well as these projects there is the day-to-day cyclical work which includes anything from annual rose pruning, hedge maintenance, plant propagation and orchard management.

We'd love to hear from you if you have: 

•RHS level 2 qualification or equivalent experience

•a demonstrable knowledge of plants

•experience with machinery including, hedge cutters, strimmers and rotary mowers, with some knowledge of maintenance 

•       a full UK driving licence 

•the ability to manage a demanding outdoor role  

•the ability to effectively communicate with colleagues at all seniority levels as well as visitors

•the confidence to work within a team, with volunteers or on your own 

•effective time management and prioritisation skills  

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.