Summary As Assistant Gardener, you'll be working with a team to deliver the day-to-day care of the garden and maintain high presentation standards. This role will include a range of practical tasks to develop, improve and look after the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects.
Duration: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours a week (full time). Working patterns are usually Monday to Friday 8am until 4.30pm but you may be asked to work out of hours, especially in the winter, on a rota basis.
Interview date: 16th October 2024
For this role, you'll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is one of 1154 sites globally recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and close to the city of Ripon, the estate is iconic in the North of England.
The River Skell winds its way through an 800- acre estate of contrasts and surprises. The abbey ruins tell the story of 400 years of monastic life, years of riches, ruin and revival, brought to a close by the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. Studley Royal Water Garden, with its elegant canals, follies and eye-catchers was the height of fashion in Georgian times, with the designers cleverly incorporating the abbey ruins into their grand vision.
Together with a deer park, Cistercian Mill, Victorian Church and an Elizabethan style manor house it's clear why the estate is one of the most popular National Trust places to visit.
You will be working with up to 9 other Gardeners, doing a multitude of tasks, ranging from grass cutting, snow clearing to weeding and leaf clearance. You will also support other departments on the estate with a variety of tasks.
Training and development will be available both in-house and through outside sources, giving ample opportunity for career advancement.
What you'll be doing Daily responsibilities may include assisting with the planting and maintaining of shrub and borders, mulching, hedge cutting and lawn mowing. You'll work alongside gardeners and a team of volunteers. You'll talk to the public every day, answering a variety of garden-related questions and talking about what you are doing with pride. We're looking for someone with a practical approach to work, getting the day-to-day work done and an interest in plants. ?The role can sometimes be physically challenging, and we use a wide range of machinery and equipment to help us get our work done. The use of machinery such as tractors, hedge trimmers and pedestrian mowers is essential, but training will be provided.
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 are:
- comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
- able to work alone or under direction and as part of a team
- positive with the drive to get things done
- keen to learn new things
- focused on detail
- enthusiastic about the work you do and happy to share this with visitors
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
- Perks at work discounts i.e. 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 locations
- Independent financial advice
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.