Garden Supervisor - Walled Kitchen Garden

National Trust; Tiverton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Substantial pension up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places (你

Job summary

The National Trust is seeking a Garden Supervisor for the Walled Kitchen Garden and Nursery at Knightshayes Court, Tiverton. You will lead day-to-day horticultural care, conservation and development, and support the wider garden areas, training staff, trainees and volunteers.

You will manage risks, budgets and small projects, engage visitors, interpret garden features, and work with local communities to connect people with the garden and its behind-the-scenes work.

Qualifications

• Practical horticultural experience evidenced by relevant roles.
• Level 3/4 horticultural qualification or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of edible crops and cut flowers.
• Experience in propagation and nursery management.
• Good understanding of garden management and conservation.
• Experience leading staff and volunteers.
• Solid knowledge of health and safety and risk management.
• Experience delivering training, coaching or horticultural knowledge sharing.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience planning projects and working collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Lead care, conservation and development of the Walled Kitchen Garden and Nursery.
• Support care for Formal and Woodland Garden and wider outdoor spaces.
• Coach, train and provide practical leadership to staff, trainees and volunteers.
• Manage risks, safety, and compliance with policies and legislation.
• Assist with budgets, resources, small projects and contractor coordination.
• Create engaging visitor experiences and help visitors connect with the garden.

Skills

Practical horticultural experience

Horticultural qualification (Level 3/4

Edibles & cut flowers knowledge

Propagation & nursery management

Garden management & conservation

Staff/volunteer leadership

Health & safety / risk management

Training / coaching

Communication & relationship-building

Project planning & collaborative work

Education

Level 3/4 horticultural qualification or equivalent

Job description

Summary

Walled Garden at Knightshayes was designed as part of the celebrated Victorian estate created by architect William Burges. The striking walls and turrets form an important part of one of the finest Gothic Revival landscapes in the country. We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Garden Supervisor to lead the day-to-day management of the Walled Garden and our nursery area.

Are you an experienced horticulturist looking for an opportunity to lead, develop people and help a special garden thrive? If you're passionate about plants, conservation and creating welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy, we'd love to hear from you.

What It's Like To Work Here

You'll be part of a collaborative property team, working alongside colleagues from across the organisation and external partners. The role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to conservation, visitor engagement and garden development, while helping to ensure the garden remains relevant and inspiring for a wide range of visitors.

For more information about our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knightshayes-court

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll lead the care, conservation and development of the Walled Kitchen Garden and the Nursery. You will also work closely with and give support to the care for our Formal and Woodland Garden and wider outdoor areas, ensuring high standards of horticulture and sustainable garden management. Working closely with your team, you’ll support staff, trainees and volunteers through coaching, training and practical leadership.

You’ll take responsibility for managing risks, maintaining safe working practices and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and National Trust policies. You’ll also support the management of budgets and resources, oversee small projects, work with contractors where required and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and innovation.

An important part of the role is helping to create engaging visitor experiences. Whether interpreting garden features, supporting events, speaking with visitors or working with local communities, you’ll help people connect with the garden and the work that happens behind the scenes.

You can view the full role profile in the attached document. You don't need to meet every requirement listed; the profile is intended to provide a complete picture of the role and its potential scope

Who We’re Looking For

You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles, sectors or career paths. Please use your application to demonstrate how you meet the criteria below.

• Practical horticultural experience, supported by a Level 3/4 horticultural qualification or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge in growing edibles and cut flowers
• Strong knowledge of propagation and nursery management
• Strong plant knowledge and an understanding of garden management and conservation
• Experience of leading, supporting or developing staff and/or volunteers
• Strong understanding of health and safety, compliance and risk management
• Experience of delivering training, coaching or sharing horticultural knowledge
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience of planning projects, managing resources and working collaboratively with others

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)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• 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

National Trust place

Knightshayes Court, Bolham, Tiverton, EX16 7RQ

Documents

• Garden Supervisor - C.pdf
• Gardener Supervisor Additional Information.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Closing Date

15 November 2026

Interview Date

27 November 2026

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.