Summary
We're looking for an enthusiastic professional gardener to join us on the long-term journey as part of the growing garden team at Munstead Wood. This is a rare chance for someone creative and proactive, who can help us care for this special garden. Munstead Wood was the home of Gertrude Jekyll, the celebrated garden designer, gardener and craftswoman.
Salary: £23,868 to £25,500 depending on skills, knowledge and experience.
Interviews: 18 July 2024
What it's like to work here
This is an exciting opportunity to join the existing Head Gardener and Senior Gardener at the beginning of the next phase of caring for the garden. We're dedicated to understanding, protecting and celebrating this Grade 1 registered garden.
The 11-acre garden is laid out as Miss Jekyll intended as documented in her writing and photographs, including her famous Summer Border, Spring Garden and Rhododendron Walks. The whole team plays their part in sympathetically maintaining and developing the property for current and potential future use.
Miss Jekyll was respected in her lifetime as a pioneer of modern gardening, and her legacy lives on. Munstead Wood has much to offer, for our dedicated garden team, and for future visitors. The property is currently closed to the public whilst plans for future access and restoration are developed.
What you'll be doing
Enthusiastic, practical and with a passion for historic gardens, you'll assist in maintaining Munstead Wood to a high standard in the spirit of Miss Jekyll. You'll have an eye for detail, working creatively, and gaining an understanding of the signature style that makes her own home and garden so unique. You'll be an ambassador for the garden and our work here.
You'll be working across the garden, using your horticultural knowledge to deliver a range of practical tasks. You'll take on specific responsibilities to assist with the daily maintenance of this celebrated garden, including supervising volunteers when required. You'll help in furthering garden compliance tasks and participate in developing sustainable horticultural practices. You'll be willing to grow your horticultural skills and knowledge through additional training and experience.
There will be opportunity to be involved in the restoration of the various garden character areas. You'll be expected to interact with a wide variety of visitors, consultants and contractors.
In the future, you'll 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
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)
- Good level of practical experience
- Good knowledge of plant husbandry and horticultural techniques
- Confidence to participate in garden activities and events
- Proven experience with machinery/equipment including tractors, hedge cutters, mowers
- Knowledge of health and safety and compliance requirements
- A love for sharing your knowledge and experience with volunteers, staff and team
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)
- Tax-free childcare scheme
- 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.