Gardener

We're looking for you to join our team at Rufford Old Hall to help us look after the Victorian and Edwardian style gardens and woodland. If you have knowledge and practical experience in gardening and horticulture, managing volunteers, health and safety and a passion for engaging people with gardens and nature then we'd like to hear from you.

**Interview date Thursday 9th February and will be held at Rufford Old Hall.
What it's like to work here:Rufford Old Hall and its surrounding gardens and woodland provide visitors with a true Lancashire experience. It was home to the Hesketh family for over five centuries and the diminutive size of the property still gives it a lovely, homely feel today. Although the Hesketh family no longer reside at Rufford Old Hall, there is a still a close family here made up of our National Trust staff and volunteer family who work together to care for this beautiful house and grounds.

You'll be part of a dedicated garden team consisting of a Senior Gardener (the line manager for this role) and volunteers. You'll work alongside the wider property team consisting of our House, Welcome, Facilities and Food and Beverage Teams.

What you'll be doing:You’ll assist in the day-to-day maintenance and management of the garden, deliver quality engagement and positive experiences all while working safely. You’ll be getting stuck in to practical, hands-on gardening tasks and work outdoors in all weathers. You’ll lead, manage and work alongside our passionate volunteers and develop new opportunities for people to participate in our work. You’ll be happy to work on your own and in a team.

You'll be expected to manage contractors working on site. You may be asked to take the lead on small projects.

In this role, you may be occasionally asked to work weekends and bank holidays.

**Who we're looking forTo be successful in this role you'll ideally have**:

- Good technical knowledge and practical experience in gardening and horticulture with a strong knowledge of plants and plant health. RHS level 2 or equivalent.
- Experience in volunteer management, leading and managing volunteers.
- Good knowledge of health and safety requirements.
- Competence with machinery/equipment use and maintenance; including hedge cutters, brushcutter/trimmers, mowers (rotary and cyclinder) and ride on tractor mower, with accreditation as required for Health and Safety compliance.
- Good communication skills and confident in dealing with a wide variety of people.
- Enthusiastic about engaging our visitors and local community with the gardens and developing ways for people to participate in our work.

**Additional preferred qualifications and experience include**:

- Full driving licence
- NPTC 201/202(formerly CS30 / 31)
- PA1 and PA6
- Trailer towing experience
- First aid with Forestry

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 properties 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 p/t (1800 hrs py to 29/02/24)