Gardener

This role is predominantly based at Dunster Castle, with occasional work at Coleridge Cottage, the other property in the portfolio.

A hands-on part of six team members, you’ll handle everything from day-to-day maintenance, delivering the highest standards of horticulture along with enhancing the visitor experience through both garden and the parkland. Estate duties including assistance with events and waste management will also be required on a regular basis.

What it's like to work here:Set on the edge of Exmoor, overlooking the Bristol Channel, there’s been a castle here for around a thousand years. The lively historic property welcomes around 170,000 people a year who come to enjoy its stunning setting and host of things to discover and do. The slopes that link the parkland and the river Avill to the castle shelter a wealth of plants. This planting has been considerably enriched both by the Luttrell family and latterly by the Trust. The climate here is unusually mild, offering scope for adventurous gardening. Furthermore, the hill provides slopes facing in every direction, encompassing a range of habitats from sun-baked terrace to moist, shady dell.

With an upbeat and focused team, keen to deliver the best standards we can. Working as part of a small, motivated team delivering a magical experience for our visitors, this is achieved by collaborating with other departments. Helping with events, deliveries and encompassing our environmental policies through recycling and waste management; this is all done with a very flexible and adaptable approach. The garden team is supported by over 25 volunteers, who are at the heart of everything we do. Working with them as individuals or leading larger groups will be a crucial part of the role. It’s a breathtaking part of the world and you’ll be working amongst other dedicated people who grow with delivering an outstanding experience and presentation.

What you'll be doing:Managing two gardens through the annual calendar with long term plans to deliver. You'll be assisting in making sure the gardens and parkland are maintained to the highest standard each and every day. You’ll undertake morning checks and inspections and daily routines to ensure the safety of all visitor-accessible areas; tasks such as weeding, pruning and mulching on the many steep slopes of the castle grounds, along with using a variety of machinery from use of hedge cutters, leaf blowers to lawn mowers and tractor.

You’ll be involved in all areas of the gardens which includes working in the two greenhouses, propagation, cut flowers, plants for retail sale, tree safety management and tree surgery as well as project work, including restoring and redesigning areas of the garden’s banks and borders. You’ll be expected to participate in estate tasks alongside horticultural ones and carry out recycling and waste management on site along with the rest of the garden team.

Our normal working day is between 08.00 and 4.00pm; however, there will be times when earlier or later hours may be required by property needs. TOIL (time off in lieu) is offered for any additional hours accumulated. You will be expected to fulfil weekend working duties on a rota system, so a degree of flexibility will be required.
**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 below:

- Trained as a professional gardener/horticulturalist with a good level of practical experience.
- RHS Level 2 or equivalent.
- Have proven practical gardening/horticulture experience, as well as a strong knowledge of plants
- Confidence to participate in garden activities and events
- Competence with machinery/equipment use and maintenance; including tractors, chainsaws, and pedestrian mowers with accreditation as required for Health and Safety compliance.

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
Permanent f/t (37.5 hrs pw)