Gardener

National Trust; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic conservation organization in Macclesfield is looking for a Gardener. You will maintain the garden's health through a variety of tasks including weeding, pruning, and operating machinery like tractors and lawnmowers. Ideal candidates should have practical horticulture knowledge and experience in landscaping. The role involves teamwork and public engagement to enhance visitors' experiences. Enjoy great benefits including a pension scheme and flexible working options.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

Free entry to National Trust places for you and your family

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

Employee discounts on gym and shopping

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working options

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust locations

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener with landscaping experience.
• Knowledgeable about plants with a keen eye for detail.
• Driver with a full licence and capable of managing demanding outdoor tasks.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the garden's condition through checks and routine tasks.
• Perform tasks such as weeding, pruning, and using gardening machinery.
• Assist with garden design, restoration, and recycling efforts.

Skills

Knowledge of practical horticulture and plant care

Ability to contribute to teamwork and volunteer support

Understanding of machinery use and safety compliance

Experience in work programme and project support

Confidence in communication and public engagement

Tools

Tractors

Chainsaws

Hedge cutters

Lawnmowers

Leaf blowers

Job description

Summary

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

As a Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands‑on member of the garden team, involved in every aspect of gardening at Hare Hill. Responsible for day‑to‑day maintenance, and the highest standards of horticulture, you’ll also play a vital role in improving the experience of visitors to the garden and wider estate.

You may be asked to work occasional weekends, bank holidays and evenings.

What it's like to work here

Hare Hill Estate is a 19th century estate, with a tranquil woodland garden, surrounded by parkland, and a delightful walled garden at its heart. The team of three have a diverse range of challenges within the role. This is an opportunity to gain experience in many aspects of working for the Trust.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be helping to keep the garden in tip‑top condition every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as weeding, pruning and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors.

Other duties might include propagation, cutting flowers for the house, preparing plants for sale, tree safety work and garden design and restoration. You may be involved in recycling and managing waste, along with the rest of the garden team.

Who we’re looking for

Applications from redeployed employees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below :

• Knowledge of practical horticulture and plant care
• Ability to contribute to teamwork and volunteer support
• Understanding of machinery use and safety compliance
• Experience in work programme and project support
• Confidence in communication and public engagement

Additional criteria for all other applicants. We’d love to hear from you if you’re :

• An enthusiastic horticulturist and hands‑on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before
• Knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail.
• Experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance
• A driver with a full licence
• Able to manage a demanding outdoor role
• Good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
• Equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own
• Able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines

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
• 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