Gardener - Midhurst, West Sussex

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 Woolbeding Gardens. 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 and wider estate. You may be asked to work occasional weekends, bank holidays and evenings. Interviews will be held on 4th November 2024 What it's like to work here Woolbeding Gardens is a beautiful 30 acre, 21st Century Garden with artistic colour themed borders set within garden rooms and a collection of follies which merge into the surrounding landscape. The Pleasure Garden created by the Bannerman's in the early 2000's adds a romantic atmosphere with the Lake, Waterfall, Chinese Bridge and River God. The new addition of the Silk Route Garden offers ornamental snapshots of the wild landscape along the historic trading route. The team of dedicated gardeners strive for horticultural excellence and high presentation standards, throughout, this role will be working in the formal gardens. What you'll be doing As a hands-on Gardener, you'll be making sure that the formal areas of the garden are maintained to a high standard. You'll be passionate about gardening and keen to develop your horticultural skills and improve your plant knowledge. An eye for detail is essential to ensure high presentation standards are delivered. This role will include a range of practical tasks to maintain and develop the garden for the long-term tenant in residence and for National Trust visitors to enjoy throughout the year. You'll be key in the general maintenance of the garden, working in the formal gardens, mowing the lawns, planting and care of borders, working alongside volunteers and other members of the team. It is a varied horticultural role, no two days are the same, from propagating plants, mowing and strimming lawns, planting and staking borders to working in the ponds and fruit pruning. You'll also work with volunteers and help them to make the most of their time at the garden. You'll be expected to interact with our visitors on open days and are encouraged to answer their questions on the garden and what we are doing.

• an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who's worked with hard landscaping before
• have a horticultural qualification at RHS level 2 or equivalent
• experienced with machinery, including tractors, 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 National Trust is committed to promoting and preserving those places of natural beauty and historic interest for which it has the privilege to be responsible for the benefit of the nation, for everyone for ever.
The Trust is proud of what has been achieved over the last 126 years and is determined to maintain those high standards of conservation, stewardship and curatorial care for which it has been recognised throughout the world. Its achievements have enabled the general public and the Trust's members and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside, coastline, gardens, historic buildings and collections, all of which encapsulate so much of the history of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There is a duty to tell that history in a complete, balanced and accurate way, and without judgement. The National Trust continues as a guardian of the past, and for the future, to uphold its duty to maintain and enhance what has been entrusted to its care.

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