Summary
Thanks to a generous donation from our benefactors, we have a unique opportunity for a trainee gardener to work alongside the team at Shugborough, with a solid focus on training, learning and gaining experience with us that will give you a great start in your Gardening career.
This is a fixed term contract due to start from October until 1st June 2025.
What it's like to work here
As this role is specifically for your development as an Assistant Gardener, it's a 9 month fixed term post that will then give you the skills and experience to apply for Gardener roles at the end of the contract.
Working with the team of six at Shugborough, you'll be supported with all your training and development, learning about what it takes to develop and care for this magnificent garden. In this role, you'll report to the Head Gardener.
Home to the Anson family since 1624, the Shugborough Estate is the complete working estate. The estate includes a Georgian mansion house with magnificent views over the riverside garden terraces, Grade 1 listed parkland, walled garden and working farm. More recently, Shugborough was the home of Patrick Lichfield, photographer and cousin to the Queen, and features in much of his work.
What you'll be doing
As a hands-on Assistant Gardener, you'll help make sure that the gardens are kept to a high standard. You'll carry out a range of practical horticultural tasks where you can develop your skills, whilst enhancing and conserving the garden. 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 enthusiasm for 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 is a big part of the role, but training will be provided.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you're:
- 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.