Senior Gardener

Mount Stewart Garden nestles on the shoreline of Strangford Lough and is protected by the Lough on one side and the Ards Peninsula on the other, these unique factors and the influence of the Gulf Stream creates a microclimate that is almost frost free. Mount Stewart has recently reopened its Garden Shop in the Court Yard and is seeking a highly skilled propagator to produce a range of high quality plants, branded and displayed in this new area. You will be responsible for the production of Mount Stewart "spirit of place" plants that will be sold throughout the year to our garden visitors. The post holder maintain a stock list of plants for sale and ensure they are labelled and branded correctly, by ensuring you work within our brand guidance and providing a year-round range of plants that provide a taste of what can be grown in one of the National Trust's most outstanding and temperate of gardens.

Interview date Wednesday 6th July

What it's like to work here:Mount Stewart is in the middle of a garden recovery project, which will develop the gardens in light of our changing climate and the opportunities this provides to extend the range of new plants we can grow in the Garden. It's also the only National Trust Treasure House in Northern Ireland, and the demesne is a centre for Nature Accelerators. There is a great buzz around working in a property that is highly successful and innovative. The Gardens Team is currently made up of 15 highly skilled horticulturists including one fulltime propagator.

What you'll be doing:Your focus will be on growing a custom range of trees, shrubs, climbing plants, bulbs, herbaceous and tender perennials for sale in the Garden Shop. Your role will also include branding and costing plants for sale, meeting plant sales budgetary targets and supporting the retail team in the creation of seasonal displays to support our commercial property sales. You will work with our propagator to maintain our nursery and dispatch areas, as well as organise any property social media content relating to plant sales, while also develop and run a series of plant propagation workshops for our visitors. You’ll love working outdoors and understand that our gardens and grounds are as significant as our mansion houses, collections and our historical places. As the Senior Gardener/Propagator in our team, we’d like you to lead by example, with exceptional horticultural skills, but you’ll also understand how to manage the workload for the propagation and dispatch unit, and deliver exceptional training to new staff and volunteers.

**Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.**

Who we're looking forTo be successful in this role you should be able to demonstrate the following:

- Significant practical experience in horticulture supported by relevant qualifications
- Have supervisory experience from a similar role
- Excellent knowledge of plants
- Competent with the use and maintenance of garden machinery including chainsaws, tractors, hedge trimmers, pedestrian and ride on mowers
- Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and practice

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)
- Tax free childcare scheme
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most locations
- Independent financial advice

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term f/t (37.5 hrs pw to 02/12/25)