Gardener 27,612 pa

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty; Stafford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension up to 10%

Free National Trust entry for you and

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Job summary

Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire is seeking a gardener to join the National Trust team. The role covers gardening, estate presentation and operational support to keep the site safe, beautiful and welcoming for visitors.

Regular weekend work is part of the rhythm here, reflecting the estate’s busy, visitor-focused nature. You will work with a dedicated team and volunteers under the Head Gardener, contributing to climate-positive practices and accessible gardening for everyone.

Qualifications

• Experienced and enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener.
• Knowledge of plants with a creative eye for detail.
• Experience with machinery such as tractors, ride-on machines, mowers, strimmers, hedgecutters.
• Driver with a full licence.
• Able to work as part of a team and manage your own workload.
• Able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines.
• Good communication skills and IT/compliance experience.

Responsibilities

• Garden, estate presentation and operational support to keep Shugborough Estate safe, beautiful and thriving.
• Contribute to garden development and project work during change.
• Adapt, get things done and implement creative solutions.
• Lead gardening tasks and collaborate with volunteers to foster a sense of belonging.

Skills

Gardening expert

Plant knowledge

Machinery operation

Driving (full licence)

Teamwork

Time management

Communication & IT

Job description

Joining our team as a Gardener at the Shugborough Estate means stepping into a role at the heart of the National Trust’s mission to protect, restore, and share special places with everyone.

This is an exciting moment to join us, as we begin delivering a refreshed organisational strategy that focuses on visitor growth, deeper community connection, and tackling unequal access to history, beauty and nature.

Regular weekend working is part of the rhythm here, reflecting the estate’s busy, visitor-focused nature.

Interview date: 1st October 2026

What it's like to work here

You’ll be part of a skilled and dedicated team who collectively have a passion for plants and care for one of the Trust’s most groundbreaking and creative gardens, all aimed at inspiring and empowering a nation of sustainable gardeners.The team is comprised of over 160 volunteers and six gardeners, all working closely together under the guidance of the Head Gardener, to whom you will report. Together, you’ll help us be a leading example of climate-positive approaches, building connections and embracing accessibility in the broadest sense.

Your work will span gardening, estate presentation and operational support, ensuring Shugborough Estate remains safe, beautiful, and thriving for nature and people alike.As we step into a period of garden development and project work, you’ll adapt, get things done, find creative solutions and thrive during a time of change. You’ll be a visible and welcoming presence, helping create meaningful experiences that inspire more people to enjoy and value the outdoors.

Volunteers are central to our work, and you’ll play a key role in supporting, motivating, and working alongside them. Whether leading gardening tasks, sharing skills, or building a sense of community, you’ll help ensure everyone feels part of something bigger.

We're looking for someone who loves plants and being outdoors, thrives within a fast-pace and varied workload, and wants to make a tangible difference. You’ll be up for a challenge, and you’ll join a passionate team at a pivotal moment helping shape how we open our gardens sustainably for more people.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you’re:

• an experienced and enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener
• knowledgeable about plants, with a creative eye for detail
• experienced with machinery, including tractors, ride on machines, mowers, strimmers, hedgecutters and with knowledge of maintenance
• a driver with a full licence
• able to work as part of a team managing your own workload
• able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines
• able to use a wide range of communication skills
• experience with compliance and IT systems

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)
• 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.

National Trust place

Shugborough Estate, Milford, Stafford, ST17 0XB

Documents

Gardener - Career Level B.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 20th September 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.