Gardener - The Guardian : Job Details

We’ve got an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Gardener.

This is an exciting time to join the horticulture team at Sheffield Park and Garden as a Gardener, as we go on a journey regarding climate change and progress into new thinking about how to manage our historic landscape. This will influence our practices, the landscape as a whole and what that will mean for a listed and historic garden and landscape.

On a rota basis, you'll cover weekends, bank holidays and may be asked to work the occasional evening.

What it's like to work here

Widely regarded as a horticultural masterpiece, landscaped gardens at Sheffield Park are alive with colour and wildlife. Five lakes and gorgeous views make this picturesque location to work in. Family-friendly events are a key part of the visitor experience at Sheffield Park, and welcome people with plenty of shared ideas and energy to join us. This is a great opportunity to become part of a supportive and close-knit team in a place you’ll love working.

What you'll be doing

As a Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands-on member of the horticulture team. You’ll be involved in every aspect of gardening at Sheffield Park and Garden, including the maintenance of our new garden space, designed by a RHS Chelsea award-winning designer, as part of our work on climate adaptation. Whilst keeping to 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'll be helping to keep the garden in tiptop condition every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as weeding, pruning and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors.

Other duties might include propagation, planting, tree safety work and lake maintenance. You may be involved in recycling and managing waste, along with the rest of the garden team.

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, 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