Tree Nursery Officer

Job Description

Summary The Tree Nursery Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the tree nursery based in a historic walled garden on the Holnicote Estate. You will source seed and grow trees for conservation projects across the Estate and help with maintenanceof existing tree plantings. Additional duties will also include caring for existing flower beds within the walled gardens. What its like to work here Situated on Exmoor, the Holnicote Estate is 12,500 acres of woodland, moorland, farmland, villages and coast. The Estate includes the important Horner Woods and Dunkery National Nature Reserve, in addition to rare wildlife such as lichens, bats and butterflies.The tree nursery, situated in a historic walled garden, has been funded through Green Recovery Challenge Funding with the aim of providing high-quality native trees of local provenance for conservation projects on the Estate.You will join a friendly countryside team and working closely with the Ranger team and with support from senior gardeners and consultancy in the region. What youll be doing This is an exciting opportunity to develop the tree nursery operations for a large countryside estate. You will work closely with the countryside team to develop a growing plan for our outdoor spaces. Identify seed sources from our nationally important trees,including the ancient and veteran trees of Horner Woods and historic collections, you will produce trees of quality from known provenances.Youll manage the day-to-day running of the tree nursery with the support of volunteers and the Ranger team. As part of a larger team you will also assist with other tasks, such as community planting days, weeding, and follow up tree-care. Youll supportvolunteer groups in the running of the nursery, helping them to enjoy their time here and making the most of their contribution.In addition to tree care, you will also take the lead for gardening tasks within the walled gardens where the nursery is based, youll assist in making sure that the gardens are maintained to a high standard. Youll be hardworking and enthused and knowledgeableabout the varied plants within the garden. There will be potential within the role to expand the current scope of the garden, including research into historic garden plans and planting schemes associated with the Acland family and Veitch. Who were looking for

• Trained as a professional gardener or horticulturalist with a good level of practical experience

• Experience of plant production and cultivation, preferably in a nursery setting

• Experience of record keeping, including knowledge of plant passports and Forestry Reproductive Material licenses

• Experience of working with volunteers and managing a team of volunteers

• Be able to work safely, with risk assessments and compliance with safety procedures

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.

• 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

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