Assistant Gardener - Falmouth

The National Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization is seeking an Assistant Gardener to aid in the day-to-day care of historic gardens in a unique climate. Responsibilities include planting and maintaining shrubs, engaging with the public, and using various garden machinery. A practical approach, teamwork, and the willingness to learn new skills are essential. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and substantial benefits, including a pension scheme and flexible working opportunities.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Tax free childcare scheme

Rental deposit loan scheme

Perks at work discounts

Flexible working opportunities

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most locations

Independent financial advice

Qualifications

• Comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way.
• Willing to learn new skills with a focus on detail.
• Ability to work on your own initiative.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the planting and maintaining of shrubs and borders.
• Mulching, hedge cutting, strimming, and lawn mowing.
• Engaging with the public during worktime.

Skills

Practical approach to work

Team player

Great service focus

Adaptability

Organizational skills

Tools

Small tractor

Hedge trimmers

Strimmers

Pedestrian mowers

Job description

Assistant Gardener – Falmouth

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

As Assistant Gardener, you’ll be working with a passionate and enthusiastic team to deliver the day‑to‑day care of the historic Fox family garden which is set within a valley providing a unique climate. You will help 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.

Salary: 24,50 per annum / 12,75 per hour

Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 29-May

Hours / working pattern: Full‑time, 37.5 hours per week

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 report to the Assistant Head Gardener. The Gardens team includes a Head Gardener, an Assistant Head Gardener, a Senior Gardener, and two gardeners.

What you’ll be doing

• Assisting with the planting and maintaining of shrub and borders
• Mulching, hedge cutting, strimming, and lawn mowing
• Working alongside gardeners and a team of volunteers
• Engaging with the public during your worktime

We’re looking for someone with a practical approach to work, getting the day‑to‑day work done and an interest in a unique collection of plants that are crucial to Glendurgan’s diverse plants appeal. The role can sometimes be physically challenging with rough terrain, working in all weather, steep sections to manage. We use a wide range of machinery and equipment to help us get our work done which is mainly electrical. Use of machinery such as a small tractor with trailer, hedge trimmers, strimmers, and pedestrian mowers is essential, but training will be provided.

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 and well organised approach

The package

• 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 locations
• Independent financial advice

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.