Senior Gardener

Are you an experienced gardener, now ready to discover a new garden and take on a new challenge? This might be just the role for you. If you’re a dedicated and enthusiastic horticulturist, who's keen to make a difference, then we can offer you invaluable experience and development within one of the National Trust’s much loved historic gardens: Lyme.

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £26,832pa. This is our anticipated salary from 1st April but is subject to final confirmation following the Trust’s annual pay review process.

Contract: Permanent

Provisional interview date: 22nd March

If you have any questions about this role please contact: stefan.roberts1@nationaltrust.org.uk

What it's like to work here:You'll be part of a dynamic team of five involved in all areas of the garden including propagation, herbaceous borders and a grade 2 listed Orangery. As Senior Gardener you'll be line managed by our Head Gardener to deliver the vision of the gardens with responsibility of the daily work of three members of staff and a team of up to 10 volunteers.

Lyme boasts 1,400 acres of beautiful parkland and rugged moorland, 2 herds of wild red deer, a very busy programme of events, art and exhibitions. Lyme also has extensive gardens that range from the Italianate Dutch Garden to the Vicary Gibbs tree garden, six catering outlets and two shops. Excellent local transport links means you’re able to travel here by public transport or car.

What you'll be doing:You’ll be happy working outside in all weathers. And you’ll understand why people love coming to this garden so much, and why your role is vital in making sure that they have their best possible day. An important part of your role will be supervising the day-to-day management of the garden, working with the garden staff and our volunteers to create a safe, friendly and motivated team.

As Senior Gardener, we’d like you to lead by example, lead from the front. You’ll demonstrate exceptional gardening skills, which others can follow and learn from. You’ll understand how to help the team manage their daily workload, and you’ll give inspiring and practical training to new staff and volunteers. You’ll build positive working relationships across the entire site. And you will delight in talking to people visiting the garden, telling them its story and answering their questions.

Using your horticultural skills and knowledge, you will help to look after the gardens and their plant collections. You'll also have the opportunity to express your creativity and help develop the garden and its borders!

Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.

Who we're looking forWe’d love to hear from you, if you’re:

• someone who combines practical experience in horticulture with appropriate qualifications
• used to supervising others in a similar role
• highly knowledgeable about plants
• confident in using and maintaining garden machinery, including chainsaws, tractors, hedge-trimmers and mowers (both walking and ride-on)
• aware of relevant health and safety legislation and practices

The packageThe 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