We are excited to announce an opportunity for a Landscape Caretaker to join our dedicated team at the National Trust, contributing to the preservation and enhancement of our beautiful grounds.

As a Landscape Caretaker, you will be an integral part of our gardening team, engaging in all facets of landscape management at our site. Your responsibilities will include routine upkeep and maintaining the highest standards of horticultural practices; you will also play a crucial role in enriching the experience of our visitors to the estate. Occasional weekend, bank holiday, and evening work may be required.

Please include a cover letter with your application, detailing how your skills align with this role and what unique contributions you can offer to our landscape.

The estate features a grade 1 listed mansion surrounded by a 25-acre garden and 910 acres of parkland and countryside. It provides a captivating glimpse into the life of a country estate during the late Victorian era.

The garden is overseen by the Head Gardener, supported by a team that includes a Senior Gardener, two Grade 9 Gardeners (including this position), a Seasonal Gardener, and a Garden Apprentice, along with a growing number of volunteers.

Your role will involve maintaining the garden and estate in excellent condition on a daily basis.

This position primarily focuses on the daily management of the Woodland Garden, collaborating with team members. Tasks will include seasonal and formative pruning, mulching, planting, staking, chainsaw operation, tractor driving, strimming, and other machinery-related work. Daily safety checks will be necessary to ensure visitor safety, along with health and safety tasks such as routine risk assessments and tree safety management surveys.

Additional responsibilities will encompass assisting team members with the overall care of other garden areas, including lawn mowing, trimming of hedges, waste management, bulb and bedding planting, weeding, and maintaining the lodges and estate entrances.

We seek a skilled Landscape Caretaker with relevant qualifications and experience in horticulture, including tree and shrub identification and management. Ideal candidates will possess:

• A passion for horticulture and hands-on gardening experience, particularly in woodland garden maintenance and hard landscaping.
• Training in MEWP or working at height.
• Experience with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, polesaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, strimmers, and hedge trimmers, along with some maintenance knowledge.
• A valid driver’s license.
• The ability to manage a demanding outdoor role.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with diverse individuals.
• Confidence in working both collaboratively and independently.
• Time management skills to plan and meet deadlines.
• Basic IT proficiency.

The National Trust is committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diversity and strive to reflect the communities we serve.

• A substantial pension scheme of up to 10% of basic salary.

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

• Rental deposit loan scheme.

• Season ticket loan.

• EV car lease scheme.

• Employee discounts on gym memberships, shopping, and cinema tickets.

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

• Flexible working arrangements where possible.

• Employee assistance program.

• Free parking at most Trust locations.

For more information about the benefits we offer, please explore our resources.