Assistant Gardener

Job Description

Summary If you want a career in Gardening, we can offer you some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the UK to work in.Youll love working outdoors and understand that our gardens and grounds are as significant as our mansion houses and our historical places. Our visitors tell us how much they enjoy the peace and tranquillity of our well-kept outdoor spaces, which makesyour role vital in making sure they have an amazing experience. What its like to work here One of the East Midlands top 10 visitor attractions, ghostly Calke Abbey is a high performing property. The unique visitor experience gives a vivid portrayal of a decaying country house, with the propertys interiors preserved butnot restored. The team are passionate and committed to the property and maintain exceptional standards of conservation. The newly refurbished restaurant serves local and seasonal produce, including organically reared meat from the estate. The Eighteenth CenturyWalled Gardens have a range of productive beds, an Orangery and other old glasshouses, and a Victorian Flower garden with original Auricula theatre. They are surrounded by extensively planted, wooded Pleasure Grounds with a Grotto.Calke Abbey have a busy and productive garden team of five, including an apprentice. Managed by the Head Gardener, there is also a committed and enthusiastic team of 90 volunteers who need supervising. What youll be doing Youll assist in making sure that the gardens are maintained to a high standard and be passionate and enthused by plants. This role will include a range of practical horticultural tasks to develop, enhance and conserve the garden and contribute to the deliveryof projects. Youll be helping with hard and soft landscaping and general maintenance of the garden, such as mulching, pruning, leaf clearing and weeding. Youll support with the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants. Youll be helpingto grow the vegetables and mow our fine lawns.Youll also assist garden volunteers and support and help them to make the most of their time here. Youll be expected to interact with the public on a daily basis, answering the many questions, or help out with gardening workshops, tours and helping setup events when needed.As part of this role youll be required to work regular weekends as part of a garden-team rota.Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert. Who were looking for To be successful in this role you should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Previous practical gardening/horticulture experience, as well as some knowledge of plants and horticultural techniques
• Familiarity with machinery/equipment and accompanying practical certificates
• Knowledge of Health and Safety compliance requirements
• Excellent customer service
• Willingness and enthusiasm to share the history of the garden with visitors, bringing it to life
• Commitment for what you are doing, always remaining proud of your work
• Youll have an NVQ 1-2 in Amenity Horticulture (or equivalent).

The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say were for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible
• Free parking at most locations
• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Click here to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you.