Are you an experienced gardener, now ready to discover a new garden and take on a new challenge? If you’re a dedicated and enthusiastic horticulturist, who's keen to make a difference, then we can offer you invaluable experience and development within one of the National Trust’s much loved historic gardens: Packwood.
You'll be working weekends and Bank holidays on a rota pattern.
Salary: £29,367 - £30,000
Interview date: 14th September 2026
This is a fixed term contract due to end when the postholder returns to the role. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 13 months.
What it's like to work here:Reporting to the Head Gardener, you'll oversee a team of skilled and motivated gardeners and volunteers that care for around seven acres of horticulturally significant garden with a history spanning over four hundred years. Within Packwood there is an 18th century walled kitchen garden, nursery, established herbaceous borders and an iconic Yew Garden. Packwood has a reputation for growing the rare and unusual in borders saturated with colour, so a good knowledge and understanding of plants is a must.
What you'll be doing:You’ll be happy working outside in all weathers. And you’ll understand why people love coming to this garden so much, and why your role is vital in making sure that they have their best possible day. An important part of your role will be supervising the day-to-day management of the garden, to keep it and the plant collection in tiptop condition. But another crucial element will be motivating the team.
As Senior Gardener, we’d like you to lead by example, lead from the front. You’ll demonstrate exceptional gardening skills, which others can follow and learn from. You’ll understand how to help the team manage their daily workload, and you’ll give inspiring and practical training to new staff and volunteers. You’ll build positive working relationships across the entire site. And you'll delight in talking to people visiting the garden, telling them its story and answering their questions.
As part of the role, you are expected to undertake Duty Manager responsibilities. You'll be responsible on the day for the smooth running of the property during opening hours, acting as the main contact point for staff, volunteers, and customers in case of emergency, enquiry or complaint.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what's possible in this role.
Who we're looking forWe’d love to hear from you, if you’re:
- someone who combines practical experience in horticulture with appropriate qualifications
- used to supervising others in a similar role
- highly knowledgeable about plants
- confident in using and maintaining garden machinery, including tractors, hedge-trimmers and mowers (both walking and ride-on)
- aware of relevant health and safety legislation and practices
- some knowledge of budgets and finance
- good written and verbal communication skills
The packageThe 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
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- 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
Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw for 13 mo)
