Assistant Gardener

• INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY PLEASE***
• Internal Applicants only

Our colleagues work for the National Trust in many locations and sometimes don’t have easy access to internal vacancy listings. Using the internet ensures we can reach as many of our colleagues as possible. We appreciate that this can be frustrating for external talent. Do note that some roles are released externally after an initial period of time.

As our newest member of the team, you’ll be working with a team to deliver the day-to-day care of the garden and maintain high presentation standards. This role includes a range of practical tasks to develop, improve and look after the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects. 

To succeed in this role you’ll have drive and enthusiasm to realise your potential and excel in this magical garden. Your leader will take a keen interest in your personal development and you will feel both challenged and supported in your role, in return you’ll be creative with your ideas to aid the development of the year round outdoor offer on our extensive estate.

Our visitor enjoyment is at the forefront of any trip to Wallington, along with the rest of the outdoor team you will help us develop and deliver a truly unforgettable experience for our visitors through engagement on many levels.

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week working Tuesday to Saturday

Salary: £21,021pa

Contract: 1 year fixed term contract

Interviews: 6th or 7th February TBC

What it’s like to work here

In this role, you’ll report to the Senior Gardener. The Gardens team includes, Head Gardener, Senior Gardener and 3 Grade 9 Gardeners.

As our Assistant Gardener, your role will be right in the middle of this vibrant and ever-changing designed landscape, the perfect place to develop your career. Wallington has an ornamental Walled garden, Glass houses and extensive Woodland Gardens, you’ll work closely with the garden team in all areas to help us deliver the high standards that we expect here at Wallington.

In order that we manage the whole designed landscape successfully the Garden team works in a collaborative way with our team of Rangers, this approach to our outdoor management gives us the flexibility to use our whole Outdoor team to their best potential in this forward thinking property.

Wallington welcomes around 240k visitors a year with 362 days opening of the outdoors offer. To help continue the positive development of this property, Wallington has an enthusiastic team of volunteers. As part of your role you will work alongside this team, to help us deliver our ambitious plans.

What you’ll be doing

Daily responsibilities may include assisting with the planting and maintaining of shrub and borders, mulching, hedge cutting and lawn mowing. You’ll work alongside gardeners and a team of volunteers. You’ll talk to the public every day, answering a variety of garden-related questions and talking about what you are doing with pride. We’re looking for someone with a practical approach to work, getting the day-to-day work done and a passion for plants.  The role can sometimes 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 training will be provided.

Who we’re looking for

• 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
• Passionate about the work you do and happy to share this with visitors
• Drivers licence

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.