Assistant Gardener

National Trust; Banbury; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious environmental organization in Banbury seeks an Assistant Gardener to join their team. In this role, you will care for a Grade 1 landscaped garden, assist in daily gardening tasks like planting and maintenance, and interact with visitors by sharing your passion for gardening. The position offers substantial training opportunities in plant care and the use of various gardening machinery. A flexible approach and a keen sense of detail are essential for success in this role. The organization fosters inclusivity and offers a range of employee benefits.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Free entry for family to National Trust places

Tax-free childcare scheme

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Qualifications

• Comfortable with flexible working.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Focused on providing excellent service.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planting and maintaining shrub and borders.
• Mulching, hedge cutting, and lawn mowing.
• Engage with the public and answer garden-related questions.

Skills

Team player

Customer service orientation

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Willingness to learn

Job description

Important notice

In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

Overview

As Assistant Gardener, you’ll be working with a team to deliver the day‑to‑day care of the garden and maintain high presentation standards. This role will include a range of practical tasks to develop, improve and look after the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects.

For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.

What it’s like to work here

In this role, you’ll be working with and reporting to the Area Ranger, who will also train and manage your daily work routine. You’ll be part of a small team with a group of volunteers to look after the Grade 1 landscaped Garden, woodland, Parkland, lakes and water courses. On a regular basis you’ll also work with 5 other Gardeners at nearby Upton House & Gardens which will help to develop your practical knowledge in plant husbandry and gain more skills in border work, pruning and grass maintenance.

What you’ll be doing

Daily responsibilities may include assisting with the planting and maintaining of shrub and borders, mulching, hedge cutting and lawn mowing. You’ll work alongside gardeners and a team of volunteers. On a regular basis you’ll talk to the public, answering a variety of garden‑related questions and talking about what you are doing with pride. We’re looking for someone with a practical approach to work, getting the day‑to‑day work done and an interest in trees and plants. The role can sometimes be physically challenging, as we use a wide range of machinery and equipment to help us get our work done. The use of machinery such as tractors, hedge trimmers and pedestrian mowers is essential, but training will be provided.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the attached document. You don’t need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

Who we’re looking for

• Comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
• A team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
• Focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
• Willing to learn new skills
• Focused on detail
• Well organised approach

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 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