Senior Gardener - Etchingham

Are you an experienced gardener, now ready to discover a new garden and take on a new challenge? We've got an exciting opportunity for a Senior Gardener to join our team. 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, at Bateman's. You'll be working 5 days per week, and you'll also occasionally work at weekends, on busy days and some bank holidays. You'll also share Duty Officer responsibilities for opening property areas, as part of a weekly rota.

• 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 chainsaws, tractors, hedge-trimmers and mowers (both walking and ride-on)
• aware of relevant health and safety legislation and practices
  
  The Bateman's and Bodiam Castle portfolio consists of two very different properties run by one passionate team.
Bodiam Castle is an impressive 14th century moated castle and one of the most famous castles in Britain. Set within 27 hectares of parkland, the outdoors spaces are managed to balance the significance of the historic landscape and nature conservation while providing memorable experiences for our visitors. Ten miles away in Burwash nestles Bateman's, the former home of Rudyard Kipling. This 17th century house remains much the same as the world-famous writer left it. Bateman's has a real family feel, with a team who will give you a warm welcome. The garden and landscape at Bateman's provided the inspiration for Rudyard's mythical tales in Puck of Pook's Hill and Rewards and Fairies. The garden blends formal design with relaxed planting inspired by the romantic and naturalistic Arts & Crafts movement. The Bateman's garden ethos is to work with nature to enhance biodiversity both in the garden and on the estate. Nestled in a peaceful corner of East Sussex with beautiful surrounding, this is a great place to live and work., 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