Gardener - Warwick

Summary

If you want a career in Gardening, we can offer you some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the UK to work in as well as one of the largest plant collections in Europe.

This role is based on annualised hours, where the amount of hours you work each month may vary, however your salary will be paid in 12 equal instalments over the year.

What it's like to work here

You'll be part of a small but perfectly formed Park and Gardens team. Reporting to the Park and Gardens Manager you'll be part of a team of four, supported by dedicated and passionate gardening and parkland volunteers. The P&G team are responsible for presentation and conservation of our Grade I listed green spaces, the care of our iconic Charlecote deer herd, and our flock of Jacob sheep. The P&G Team are a key operational department for Charlecote and work alongside colleagues from every discipline to ensure that we take a one team approach, lead by the General Manager.   
The house at Charlecote sits in an attractive Victorian garden – set amid fine lawns, with such features as a formal parterre, croquet lawn, woodland garden, herbaceous borders and topiary. It reflects a key period in Charlecote’s history, and forms part of the registered Park.

What you'll be doing

As a hands-on Gardener, you’ll assist in making sure that the gardens are maintained to a high standard. You’ll be passionate and enthused and knowledgeable about the varied plants within the garden. This role will include a range of practical horticultural tasks to develop, enhance and conserve the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects. You'll be helping with hard and soft landscaping and general maintenance of the garden, such as mulching, pruning, leaf clearing and weeding. You’ll support with the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants. You’ll be helping to cut the hedges and mow our fine lawns. You’ll also take ownership of specific areas of the garden ensuring the highest standards are maintained and healthy plants are available for our visitors to enjoy. 
You’ll also support garden volunteers and help them to make the most of their time here. You’ll be expected to interact with the public on a daily basis, answering the many questions, supporting with site management, helping out with gardening workshops, tours and helping set up events when needed. 

Who we're looking for

To be successful in this role you should be able to demonstrate the below:

• Trained as a professional gardener/horticulturalist with a good level of practical experience.
• RHS Level 2 or equivalent.
• Have proven practical gardening/horticulture experience, as well as a strong knowledge of plants
• Confidence to participate in garden activities and events
• Competence with machinery/equipment use and maintenance; including tractors, chainsaws, and pedestrian mowers with accreditation as required for Health and Safety compliance.

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.

Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you – and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.

Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible
• Free parking at most locations
• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.