Gardener / Arborist

NATIONAL TRUST; Godalming; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the National Trust as a Gardener/Arborist at Winkworth Arboretum, a beautiful location in Surrey. You'll maintain the garden, engage with visitors, and work closely with a team to ensure the highest standards of horticulture. This role supports biodiversity and involves a variety of tasks, perfect for those passionate about the environment and gardening.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme up to 10% salary

Free entry to National Trust places for you and guests

Flexible working whenever possible

Employee assistance programme

EV car lease scheme

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Qualifications

• Trained as an arborist or holds Level 2 Arboricultural qualifications.
• Good knowledge of conservation and horticulture.
• Ability to identify hazardous and problem trees.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the arboretum to a high standard with general maintenance tasks.
• Assist with planting and maintenance of trees and shrubs.
• Support garden volunteers and interact with the public.

Skills

Conservation knowledge

Horticulture methods

Tree identification

Machine maintenance

Health and Safety awareness

Education

Level 2 Arboricultural qualifications

Tools

Ride-on machinery

Tractors

Pedestrian mowers

Hand tools

Job description

View more categories View less categories Contract Permanent Hours Full time Sector Arts & heritage ,Charities ,Environment, green & sustainable ,Cause ,Agriculture, horticulture & land management ,Charity & volunteering support ,Arborist ,Gardening Employee benefits & values Bonus & discount schemes ,Employee assistance programme

As a Gardener/Arborist for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands-on member of the garden team, involved in every aspect of work at Winkworth Arboretum. Responsible for day-to-day maintenance, and the highest standards, you’ll also play a vital role in improving the experience of visitors to the arboretum and wider estate.

If you want a career in Arboriculture/Gardening, we can offer you some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the UK to work in as well as one of the largest plant collections in Europe.

Internally you’ll be known as ‘Gardener'.

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

The advertised salary is inclusive of an Outer London weighting allowance of £3,315 per annum (prorated if you're part-time)

What it's like to work here

Winkworth Arboretum is set in the Surrey Hills close to the town of Godalming. It has several character areas such as a lake, wetlands, ancient woodland and meadows. With about 120 Champion Trees, 1000 different species and varieties, glorious autumn colour and masses of bluebells throughout in spring it is a great place to work.

Working alongside an arborist and volunteers, you'll report to the Senior Gardener. Few days are the same as there is always lots to do to maintain this very special site. We are focussed on our collection and our visitors but also the environment which includes looking after areas not so well travelled but important for biodiversity and wildlife.

The role is essentially a hybrid Arborist/Horticulturist/Ranger and requires someone with enthusiasm, knowledge and the right attitude.

What you'll be doing

As a hands-on Arborist/Gardener, you’ll assist in making sure that the arboretum is maintained to a high standard. You’ll be passionate and enthused and knowledgeable about the varied trees and plants within the garden.

You’ll be undertaking a range of practical arboricultural and horticultural tasks to develop, enhance and conserve the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects.

You'll be helping with general maintenance of the arboretum, such as mulching, pruning, strimming and mowing.

You’ll assist with the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. You’ll also take ownership of specific areas of the arboretum, ensuring the highest standards are maintained and healthy plants are available for our visitors to enjoy.

You’ll support garden volunteers and help them to make the most of their time here and you’ll interact with the public daily, answering questions, or supporting with workshops, tours and helping set up events when needed.

Other duties might include fence repair, tree planting and aftercare and tree surveys.You may also be asked to work at Claremont Landscape Garden to assist with tree work when necessary.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you, if this sounds like you:

• trained as an arborist or holds level 2 Arboricultural qualifications.
• good knowledge of conservation.
• knowledge of horticulture methods and materials, landscaping, cultivation of trees and woody plants, machine maintenance, plant taxonomy and insect/disease control.
• ability to identify and deal with hazardous and problem trees.
• records maintenance skills.
• competence with ride on machinery, tractors, pedestrian mowers and hand tools.
• a strong understanding of horticultural practices.
• an awareness of Health and Safety and Compliance requirements.

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
• 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

Company

Learn more about this company

Visit this company’s hub to learn about their values, culture, and latest jobs.

Visit this company’s hub to learn about their values, culture, and latest jobs.

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.