Gardener

ASVA; Forres; Remote; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Trust for Scotland is seeking a horticulture operative to maintain Brodie Castle and Estate gardens. Based on site, you will care for trees, shrubs, bulbs, turf, and plant health, ensuring safety and visitor enjoyment.

You will hold PA1/PA6a spraying certificates or be willing to train, possess a UK driving licence, and have heritage garden experience. You will work with staff and volunteers to deliver high standards across the estate.

Qualifications

• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in amenity horticulture with knowledge and minimum of 2 years practical work experience in a heritage or amenity garden context.
• PA1 and PA6a spraying certificates, or willingness to be trained in the use of pesticides and to exercise that training.
• Current driving licence valid for driving in the UK.
• Formal machinery certifications, i.e., Ride on mowers, tractors, chainsaws etc or willingness to be trained.

Responsibilities

• Undertaking practical maintenance of the garden and estate e.g., managing trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, and bulbs; turf care; pest/disease/weed control; staking, plant nutrition, composting and soil improvement to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by visitors including other professionals in the horticultural industry.
• Contributing to the management, conservation, and development of the garden and estate by plant propagation, cultivation, production of seed and the inputting of appropriate plant records on IRIS database and labelling were directed by the Garden and Estate Manager or Assistant Head Gardener.
• The ability to work individually or as part of a team across a wide range of activities across the garden & estate including hedge cutting, strimming & brush cutting, tractor/ATV driving, chipping & spraying.
• As requested, assisting with education/interpretation activities such as introductory talks and guided walks.
• Fostering positive relationships with visitors, local communities and other organisations and promote the work of the Trust when & were appropriate.
• On occasion, supervising and working with volunteers and/or staff members to ensure they deliver required outputs and the appropriate standard of work, and gain benefit/satisfaction from their activities.
• Undertaking such other reasonable duties as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth running of the property as required by the Operations Manager / Property Management team.
• On occasion, contributing to the review and development of operational workplans for the gardens.
• Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety, and environment policies and procedures. This will include timely completion of HAVS, spraying records and attendance of annual health monitoring.

Job description

Organisation: The National Trust for Scotland

JOB PURPOSE

The National Trust for Scotland is passionate about Scotland’s heritage; we make a difference to what makes Scotland so special. The role is based at Brodie Castle and Estate. Brodie Castle, Garden & Estate comprises: Grade A-listed 16th century tower-house with 17th, 18th and 19th century additions, the Playful Garden, a significant collection of paintings and furniture, and a 75-acre estate of designated historic designed landscape which holds policy woodland, a large pond and the famous Brodie Daffodil Collection. It maintains strong links to the Brodie family, whose ancestral seat this was for its entire history. The buildings and grounds are open to the public all year round and are supported by multiple catering facilities within the Castle and Playful Pavilion, two gift shops, the Stables conference centre and holiday. Brodie also hosts weddings, private hire functions and year-round events.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications

• A formal qualification at NVQ/ SVQ Level 2 in amenity horticulture supported by knowledge and a minimum of 2 years practical work experience in a heritage or amenity garden context.
• PA1 and PA6a spraying certificates, or willingness to be trained in the use of pesticides and to exercise that training.
• Current driving licence valid for driving in the UK.
• Formal machinery certifications, i.e., Ride on mowers, tractors, chainsaws etc or willingness to be trained.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Undertaking practical maintenance of the garden and estate e.g., managing trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, and bulbs; turf care; pest/disease/weed control; staking, plant nutrition, composting and soil improvement to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by visitors including other professionals in the horticultural industry.
• Contributing to the management, conservation, and development of the garden and estate by plant propagation, cultivation, production of seed and the inputting of appropriate plant records on IRIS database and labelling were directed by the Garden and Estate Manager or Assistant Head Gardener.
• The ability to work individually or as part of a team across a wide range of activities across the garden & estate including hedge cutting, strimming & brush cutting, tractor/ATV driving, chipping & spraying.
• As requested, assisting with education/interpretation activities such as introductory talks and guided walks.
• Fostering positive relationships with visitors, local communities and other organisations and promote the work of the Trust when & were appropriate.
• On occasion, supervising and working with volunteers and/or staff members to ensure they deliver required outputs and the appropriate standard of work, and gain benefit/satisfaction from their activities.
• Undertaking such other reasonable duties as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth running of the property as required by the Operations Manager / Property Management team.
• On occasion, contributing to the review and development of operational workplans for the gardens.
• Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety, and environment policies and procedures. This will include timely completion of HAVS, spraying records and attendance of annual health monitoring.