Summary Would you like to take an active role in helping to maintain and restore the South Devon garden that enchanted and inspired Agatha Christie? We're looking for a motivated and flexible gardener to join our team.
The role offers a rare opportunity to work in a garden in the early stages of a long-term programme of restoration works. You'll be taking an active part in development works, helping our visitors to see why Agatha Christie described this spot as the ‘loveliest place in the world'.
What it's like to work here
Nestling on the banks of the River Dart, Greenway was described as ‘The loveliest place in the world' by its most famous owner, Agatha Christie.
You'll be joining a small team who are working hard to restore this 34-acre garden to its former glory. A tapestry of different and distinct areas has been created by the various owners of Greenway, each making their mark on the property. The layers of history are crucial to the garden's presentation, maintaining the spirit of the place.
Benefiting from a sheltered position on the south Devon coast, this is a garden for those passionate about plants and horticulture. Featuring woodland, woodland gardens, walled gardens, a fernery and multiple herbaceous borders, Greenway offers everything a horticulturist could wish for.
For more information about our property please visit greenway/
What you'll be doing
You'll be helping to keep the gardenin tiptop condition every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as weeding, pruning and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors.
Reporting to the Head Gardener, you'll be leading on some areas and working as part of the wider garden team in others. You'll also be working with an enthusiastic group of garden volunteers as well as interacting with the public. You'll be providing excellent customer service daily, allowing all our supporters to get the best experience whilst they are with us.
Forming part of the English Riviera portfolio, you'll have the opportunity to work at other locations nearby such as Coleton Fishacre, Compton Castle or outdoor locations cared for by our rangers.
Greenway is located just outside Torbay. It is 2 miles to the closest public transport therefore your own transport is strongly advised.
Our normal working pattern is 0800-1600 Monday to Friday. There may be times when earlier or later hours are required. This role will also require weekend working as part of a rota (anticipated to be one weekend in four).
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what's possible in this role Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you're:
- an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who's worked with hard landscaping before
- 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
- 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
- equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own
- 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
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.