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 the iconic Sissinghurst Castle Garden. 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.
You may be asked to work occasional weekends.
What it's like to work here:Sissinghurst is a highly personal garden planned by two people whose artistry was matched by their plant knowledge and who had an individual point of view. Romantic, yet practical, Sissinghurst was voted number 1 in the world in a recent article in the New York Times. To perpetuate a garden made by two such individuals requires gardeners not only with supreme horticultural knowledge and skill but also gardeners with vision, sensitivity and most importantly an instinctive feeling for the spirit of the place.
Click here for more information about this location
What you'll be doing:You'll garden with flair and creativity, experimental, yet traditional and always hard working with application and deep thought.
You'll be involved in all aspects of caring for this special place and be encouraged to develop and grow your skills and knowledge.
You'll be helping to keep the garden in the spirit of Vita and Harold, whilst adapting our planting and practices to reflect climate change and visitors expectations. This will involve the highest level of flower gardening, from planting, pinching, staking, pruning and dead heading and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors.
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
Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)
