Assistant Gardener - Westerham

Summary

As Assistant Gardener, you’ll be working with a team to deliver the day-to-day care of the garden and maintain high presentation standards. This role will include a range of practical tasks to develop, improve and look after the garden at Chartwell and contribute to the delivery of projects. 

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.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £23,166 pa

Duration: Permanent / full- time

Interview date:  w/c 9 December 2024 

What it's like to work here

In this role, you’ll report to the Garden & Outdoors Manager and Assistant Head Gardener and join a knowledgeable team of four other Gardeners. You will work alongside them in the day-to-day running of the gardens and assist with the supervision of a group of loyal and skilled volunteers, all of whom share our drive for the highest horticultural standards being displayed at all times.

What you'll be doing

Daily responsibilities will include assisting with the development of our mixed borders, caring for our roses, maintaining our orchards, and ensuring the garden is always presented to the highest possible standard for our visitors.  You’ll work alongside our team of gardeners and volunteers. You’ll talk to the public every day, answering a variety of garden-related questions and talking about what you are doing with confidence and pride. We’re looking for someone with a practical approach to work, getting the day-to-day work done and a strong interest and knowledge of plants. The role can often be 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 tractors, hedge trimmers and pedestrian mowers is essential, but although training will be provided, a pre-existing knowledge is beneficial. 

You can view the full role profile for this position in the document attached, as well as the accompanying Recruitment Profile.

Who we're looking for

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

• comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way

• able to work alone or under direction and as part of a team

• positive with the drive to get things done

• keen to learn new things

• focused on detail

• enthusiastic about the work you do and happy to share this with visitors 

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)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. 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 locations

• Independent financial advice

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