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 as well as one of the largest plant collections in Europe. What its like to work here An exciting opportunity to join 2 of theDartmoor portfolio gardens.Parke in Bovey Tracey, an historic parkland where the River Bovey meanders through woodlands, on a southern slope sits an unusual walled garden managed in partnership with the National Trust and a local allotment group.Newly acquired Half Moon Garden at Manaton, a Marion garden, full of religious symbolism. What youll be doing As a hands-on Gardener, you’ll assist in making sure that the gardens are maintained to a high standard. You’ll be passionate and enthused and knowledgeable about the varied plants within the garden. This role will include a range of practical horticultural tasks to develop, enhance and conserve the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects. Youll be helping with hard and soft landscaping and maintenance of the gardens, such as mulching, pruning, leaf clearing and weeding. In the Walled Garden you’lllead a team of volunteerswith the planting, pruning and maintenance of walled trained fruit so a working knowledge of this is required.Youll also be leading in the development and creation ofherbaceous plantings, cut flowers and herb beds. Taking ownership of specific areas of the garden ensuring the highest standards are maintained. A good eye for design and plant knowledge will be beneficial to this role.Half Moon is a garden of discovery. Using garden management plans andthe wealth of garden photographs the garden will be rediscovered.The garden comprises asmall orchard, rose borders, box hedging and shaped box balls, herbaceous borders, small pond, woodland and meadow areas.A good knowledge of herbaceous plantings and rose care will be essential.For both sites this role will be key in supporting garden volunteers and helping them to make the most of their time. You’ll be expected to interact with the public on a daily basis, answering the many questions, or help out with gardening workshops,pop up talks and demonstrations, special garden open days and helping set up events when needed.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 below:

Trained as a professional gardener/horticulturalist with a good level of practical experience.

RHS Level 2 or equivalent.

Have proven practical gardening/horticulture experience, as well as a strong knowledge of plants

Confidence to participate in garden activities and events

Competence with machinery/equipment use and maintenance; including tractors, chainsaws, and pedestrian mowers with accreditation as required for Health and Safety compliance.

PA1 & PA6 safe use of Pesticide Certificate. However, training on these can be given.

The package Benefits for working at the National Trust:

Flexible working whenever possible

Free parking at most locations

Discounts in high street stores, cinemas, National Trust properties and cafes.

Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

Generous annual leave

Subsidised health cash plan

Free 24-hour support service

Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Training & Development tailored to you

Up to 5 days of paid volunteering for you.