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 Stowe. 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.
Weekend working is required on a rota basis and you may be asked to work occasional bank holidays and evenings.
What it's like to work here
The beauty of Stowe and the surrounding area has attracted visitors for over 300 years and the wider portfolio includes Claydon House, a medieval tower and duck decoy at Boarstall, Long Crendon Courthouse and Buckingham Chantry Chapel. Along with the friendly team, this area is a great place to work!
What you'll be doing
We're looking for a Gardener to work across our portfolio of gardens, including the 18th century garden and parkland at Stowe.
Stowe is the work of some of the greatest 18th century gardeners such as Charles Bridgman, William Kent and Capability Brown.
We're looking for a Gardener who has the horticultural skills and experience to work on a grand scale. The successful applicant will be confident and competent in using a wide range of horticultural equipment.
Gardening for nature is a key outcome of our work, year on year we are improving the habitats. Our gardeners are inspired to deliver for Nature, Beauty and History.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you’re:
- an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before
- knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail.
- experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, flail mower, grass collector, woodchipper and with some knowledge of maintenance
- a driver with a full licence
- able to manage a demanding outdoor role
- good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
- equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own
- 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
• 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
