Summary Described as one of the horticultural jewels in the National Trust and one of the most significant gardens in the UK, Nymans has so much to offer, not just for our highly talented and qualified garden team, but also for our visitors who come to enjoy the exceptional plant collection we have here.
A garden that is both dramatic and intimate, Nymans holds one of the National Trust's great plant collections. The garden was the passion of three generations of the Messel family and was created around the expeditions of some of the great plant collectors. Nymans is a distinctive blend of formality and informality and a garden which aims to grow and develops alongside the natural world.
What it's like to work here As part of the Nymans and Standen portfolio, we are one of the National Trust's most visited portfolios. Nymans was once the family home of the Messel family, who developed and expanded the garden and plant collection. Today the garden holds internationally significant plant collections and at its centre is the Messel family home – a partial ruin.
The garden team are dedicated to understanding, developing and protecting our living collection in an environment where gardeners are encouraged to be proactive and creative. This is a wonderful opportunity to work within an environment that aims to bring the best out in you.
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What you'll be doing Enthusiastic, driven and hands-on, you'll assist in making sure that Nymans is maintained to a high standard and be passionate and enthused by plants. This role will include a range of practical horticultural tasks to develop, enhance and conserve the garden and contribute to the delivery of excellent visitor experience. You will work alongside other gardeners across all areas of the garden including the nursery and glasshouse area. You will report into the Assistant Head Gardener. At times, you'll be expected to supervise volunteers and you must be confident in maintaining a high level of horticultural standards and prioritising workloads.
You'll love working outdoors and understand the desire to develop the garden alongside the natural world. Your role is vital in making sure that our visitors have an amazing experience, whether by maintaining the garden to a high standard or by helping to tell the story of our remarkable collection and history. You will also be expected to work weekends as part of a rota.
Please also read the full role profile attached this advert.
Who we're looking for Nymans is a garden of creativity and innovation, and we aim to be a leader in sustainability in the National Trust. So, we want someone that is creative and proactive, and who can help share our wonderful story with visitors and supporters of all ages and backgrounds. In order to be successful in this role you'll have:
- trained as a professional gardener/horticulturist with a minimum of RHS Level 2 (or equivalent) who's worked with hard landscaping before
- a love for sharing your knowledge and experience with volunteers, staff and team knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail.
- experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance. PA1 & PA6 spraying certificate and CS30 &CS31 chainsaw certificate desirable but not essential
- a driver with a full licence
- able to manage a demanding outdoor role
- good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
- able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines
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
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