An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic gardener to work at one of the National Trust’s most unique gardens and join our expert team of staff and volunteers for a 6 month period.
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 Sizergh. Responsible for day-to-day tasks, 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.
Our Gardens are heritage sites and home to some of the most extensive plant collections in Europe - at Sizergh there are four National Collections. You'll be a part of the team of professionals leading a team of volunteers in caring for all aspects of the Garden at Sizergh.
Salary: £22,089.60 pro rata (FTE £27,612 per annum)
Contract Duration: Fixed-term contract until 31st December 2026. We are open to considering this role as a secondment opportunity.
Working Pattern: Part-time, 30 hours (4 days per week), including Bank Holidays. You will be part of a regular weekend working on a rotary basis.
Interview date: Friday 17 th July 2026
What it's like to work here:Reporting to the Head Gardener, you will be part of a team of 4 Gardeners working at Sizergh, part of the South Cumbria and Lancashire Property Group. Sizergh is an imposing medieval house situated at the gateway to the Lake District and sits within a 1,600 acre estate. The Gardens at Sizergh include the Trust’s largest limestone rock garden and four national collections of ferns. Restoration projects within the house and garden have created opportunities in all areas, particularly within the extensive gardening operation and visitor experience. This is a lively property with a varied events programme and thriving café, and the property are looking for team members with energy and enthusiasm.
For an informal conversation about the role in more detail please contact Bertie the Head Gardener via [email protected]
What you'll be doing:You'll be helping to keep the Gardens in great 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 and preparing plants for sale.
You'll help lead a team of volunteers and support the wider team of gardeners. We're looking for someone with a practical approach to work, leading on day-to-day tasks and helping to support the work we are undertaking and taking responsibility of part of the role. The role will involve physical work, we work in all weathers and use a wide variety of machinery and equipment to help us get our work done. The use of machinery and equipment is essential, but training will be provided, training new staff & volunteers will also be a part of this role.
Who we're looking forWe'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 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 p/t (30 hrs pw to 29/01/27)
