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SalarySummary
Would you like to take an active role in helping to restore the South Devon garden that enchanted and inspired Agatha Christie?
We’re looking for a motivated and flexible gardener to join us for 17 months to the end of August 2025. You’ll be joining us at an exciting time as we embark on an ambitious project to restore a large swathe of Greenway to its former glory.
Interview date Thursday 29 February.
What it's like to work here
Nestling on the banks of the River Dart, Greenway was described as ‘The loveliest place in the world’ by its most famous owner, Agatha Christie.
You’ll be joining a small team who are working hard to restore this 34-acre garden to its former glory. A tapestry of different and distinct areas has been created by the various owners of Greenway, each making their mark on the property. The layers of history are crucial to the garden’s presentation, maintaining the spirit of the place.
Benefitting from a sheltered position on the south Devon coast, this is a garden for those passionate about plants and horticulture. Featuring woodland, woodland gardens, walled gardens, a fernery and multiple herbaceous borders, Greenway offers everything a horticulturist could wish for.?
What you'll be doing
Over this 17 month position, you’ll be taking an active role in restoring three linked character areas. You’ll be working on:
- Restoring substantial and unusual herbaceous beds that bake in the sun, adapting it to withstand the future climate challenges that lie ahead.
- Uncovering lost paths and opening up new areas for our visitors to enjoy.
- Establishing valuable habitat through orchard and native meadows.
- Restoring a large plantation of rare shrubs and trees.
- Restoring lost views down the winding estuary towards Dartmouth.
- Day-to-day maintenance of the rest of the garden.
You’ll be leading on some areas and working as part of the wider garden team in others. You’ll also be working with an enthusiastic group of garden volunteers as well as interacting with the public. You’ll be providing excellent customer service daily, allowing all our supporters to get the best experience whilst they are with us.
Forming part of the English Riviera portfolio, you’ll have the opportunity to work at other locations nearby such as Coleton Fishacre, Compton Castle or outdoor locations cared for by our rangers.
Greenway is located just outside Torbay. It is 2 miles to the closest public transport therefore your own transport is strongly advised.
Our normal working pattern is 0800-1600 Monday to Friday. There may be times when earlier or later hours are required. This role will also require weekend working as part of a rota (anticipated to be one weekend in four).
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
- fit enough 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
- 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
- Independent financial advice
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
