Horticultural Specialist

As a Horticultural Specialist with the National Trust, you will be an integral part of the gardening team, engaging in all facets of garden management at Kingston Lacy. You will be accountable for daily upkeep and ensuring the highest standards of horticultural practices, while also enhancing the experience of visitors to the garden and surrounding estate.

Occasional weekend, bank holiday, and evening work may be required.

The remarkable art collection is a key draw to this stunning Italian-inspired estate. As one of the National Trust's 'treasure houses', the dedicated team of 45 is poised for exciting developments as they undertake significant conservation initiatives to safeguard this 8,500-acre estate and its unique collection of artifacts. Key attractions at Kingston Lacy include a Japanese garden, a tearoom, and community gardening spaces. Given the rural setting, personal transportation may be necessary.

For further details about our property, please visit our website.

Your role will involve maintaining the garden at Kingston Lacy in excellent condition on a daily basis. This may include routine safety checks for visitor areas, performing essential tasks such as weeding, pruning, and mulching, as well as operating machinery like hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, lawnmowers, and tractors.

Additional responsibilities may encompass plant propagation, cutting flowers for display, preparing plants for sale, conducting tree safety assessments, and engaging in garden design and restoration. You may also participate in recycling efforts and waste management alongside the garden team.

We are eager to connect with individuals who are:

• Passionate horticulturists and hands-on gardeners with experience in hard landscaping.
• Knowledgeable about various plant species, possessing a keen eye for detail.
• Skilled in operating machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, and both rotary and cylinder mowers, with some maintenance knowledge.
• Holders of a valid driving license.
• Able to thrive in a demanding outdoor environment.
• Effective communicators, capable of engaging with diverse individuals.
• Equally comfortable working collaboratively within a team, with volunteers, or independently.
• Organized, capable of adhering to timelines, and meeting deadlines.

While we appreciate a range of knowledge, skills, and experiences, you do not need to meet every criterion listed in the role profile; this is simply to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential responsibilities associated with this position.

The National Trust embodies the motto 'For everyone, for ever'. We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where all individuals feel a sense of belonging. It is essential that our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome and value differences, ensuring that everyone is embraced within our teams.

• Comprehensive pension scheme of up to 10% of basic salary.

• Complimentary access to National Trust locations for you, a guest, and your children (under 18).

• Rental deposit loan program.

• Season ticket loan options.

• Electric vehicle leasing program.

• Employee discounts on various services, including gym memberships and shopping.

• Holiday entitlement of up to 32 days based on length of service, plus a holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working arrangements whenever feasible.

• Employee assistance program.

• Free parking at most National Trust locations.

For more information about the benefits we provide to support our employees, please visit our website.