Summary
Gardener post to cover for maternity leave in the beautiful formal gardens at Castle Drogo. This is a fixed term contract due to end when the previous employee returns from maternity leave. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 12 months.
Position is part time, currently on an alternating 3 day and 4 day week, we will be open to flexibility on this rota.
As a Gardener for the National Trust, you'll be a hands-on member of the garden team, involved in every aspect of gardening at Castle Drogo. Responsible for day-to-day maintenance, and the highest standards of horticulture, trained to RHS level 2 or equivalent, with a good level of practical experience. You'll also play a vital role in improving the experience of visitors to the garden and wider estate.
You will be asked to work weekends on a rota, this will be approximately 1 in 4 and you may be asked to work the occasional, bank holiday and evening.
Hours: Part time 26.25 per week Monday to Friday with flexibility on how those hours are worked over a two week period. Weekend working on a rota.
Salary: £16,707.60
Contract: fixed term
Interviews: will be held in person at Castle Drogo, proposed interview date is Wednesday 3rd July
If you have any questions about this role please contact .uk
What it's like to work here
Castle Drogo forms part of the Dartmoor Portfolio – a mix of pay-for-entry properties and Countryside. Sitting high above the Teign Gorge the castle commands extensive views, where dramatic architecture meets innovative family home. A 20th century property designed by Edwin Lutyens.
The formal gardens, largely unchanged, showcase Lutyens work. The planting is exuberant, reflecting the historic planting plans of George Dillistone. We develop and enhance the planting, the structure stands strong and crisp. The established garden team have a passion for the place, which can easily be seen in its care.
For more information about our property please visit?castle-drogo
What you'll be doing
You'll be involved with formal and informal hedge cutting. Drogo boasts around 985 meters of formal yew hedging, cutting them requires a good level of fitness and ability to work at height from podium and scaffold access equipment. You will be involved with the care of the lawns, and to keep the 190 meters of herbaceous borders looking their best throughout the season you will help with lifting and dividing, mulching, weeding and staking. You will get involved with planting, pruning and propagation, all of which will help keep the gardenand groundslooking their very best. You will support in daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting. You may be involved in recycling and managing waste, along with the rest of the garden team. Role reports to Senior Gardener.
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)
- 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.