Senior Gardener

Senior Gardener - Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Summary

***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY PLEASE***

We're looking for an experienced gardener, ready to discover a new garden and take on a new challenge. If you’re a dedicated and enthusiastic horticulturist, who's keen to make a difference, then we can offer you invaluable experience and development within one of the National Trust’s much loved historic gardens, Wimpole Estate.

What it's like to work here

Wimpole Garden is a stunning 60+ acre garden set in a 2500-acre estate with diverse landscapes.  The garden consists of a Parterre Garden currently undergoing an exciting redesign to make it fit for the future. The garden also boasts 45 acres of vibrant Pleasure Grounds, which hosts a 120,000 visited Winter lights advent.  At its heart is an impressive 4.5-acre double-walled Walled Garden and Orchard, which is highly productive.   
We are a close-knit, dynamic, and fun-loving team. The core team consists of 4.6 permanent staff, with an additional project gardener on a fixed term contract. We’re also fortunate to have over 80 volunteers of various skills and personalities who contribute to our work. 
 As the Senior Gardener, you'll report directly to the Head Gardener, with your main responsibility being the day-to-day management of the Walled Garden. This includes overseeing the volunteer team and staff, while also playing a key role in the maintenance and development of the entire garden, including the redesign of borders and other landscape elements. You'll have the opportunity to undertake training and gain experience in all the aspects to progress your career in horticulture. 

Click here for more information about this location

What you'll be doing

You’ll be happy working outside in all weathers. And you’ll understand why people love coming to this garden so much, and why your role is vital in making sure that they have their best possible day. An important part of your role will be supervising the day-to-day management of the Walled Garden at the heart of Wimpole's extensive gardens, to keep it's and the whole garden's plant collections in tiptop condition. Another crucial element will be motivating the team of staff and 80 plus volunteers.

As Senior Gardener, we’d like you to lead by example, lead from the front. You’ll demonstrate exceptional gardening skills, which others can follow and learn from. You’ll understand how to help the team manage their daily workload, and you’ll give inspiring and practical training to new staff and volunteers. You’ll build positive working relationships across the entire site. You'll talk to people visiting the garden, telling them its story and answering their questions. 

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

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you, if you’re:

• someone who combines practical experience in horticulture with appropriate qualifications
• used to supervising others in a similar role 
• highly knowledgeable about plants
• confident in using and maintaining garden machinery, including chainsaws, tractors, hedge-trimmers and mowers (both walking and ride-on)
• aware of relevant health and safety legislation and practices  

The package

The 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)

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• EV car lease scheme 

• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Employee assistance programme

• Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.