Gardener - Shrewsbury

Leisurejobs; Greater London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent horticultural organization in Shrewsbury seeks a dedicated Gardener to maintain the Walled Garden. The successful candidate will work closely with a team, leading volunteers and ensuring the garden meets high standards. Responsibilities include routine gardening tasks, public engagement activities, and collaborating with various departments to enhance visitor experiences. The role requires a hands-on approach, expertise in horticulture, and confidence in using gardening machinery. This fixed-term position offers significant benefits and a vibrant work environment.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Experience in practical horticulture and plant care.
• Confident in public engagement activities.
• Ability to manage a team and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Walled Garden daily.
• Lead and supervise volunteers.
• Engage with local community groups.

Skills

Communication with the public

Using machinery safely

Teamwork

Practical horticulture

Detail-oriented plant care

Tools

Tractors

Chainsaws

Rotary mowers

Job description

Job Details Gardener - Shrewsbury

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 Attingham Park. 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. For this role you will need to work weekends on a rota, as well as occasional bank holidays and evenings. This is a fixed‑term contract that will end when the previous employee returns from maternity leave. At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 14 months.

What it’s like to work here

Attingham welcomes more than half a million visitors a year. Make no mistake, this is a busy and thriving place to be that is full of life and locally loved. The National Trust team here today conserves and cares for the estate carrying on the legacy of the eighth Lord and Lady Berwick who left the estate to the National Trust in 1988. Attingham welcomes everyone – our supporters, members, and visitors are vital in helping us continue our work. Whatever your role, you’ll play your part in helping us build relationships and make connections with our regular visitors, those new to Attingham, and those yet to visit, so we can keep Attingham a special place now, and for everyone, and for ever. Attingham Park is arguably Shropshire’s greatest estate. Built in the 18th century and owned by the same family for five generations, today it is around 4,000 acres in size, and at its heart is a mansion, parkland, walled garden, play space, deer park and various food and beverage and retail outlets.

What you’ll be doing

You will be helping to keep the Walled Garden in tip‑top condition every day. You’ll work alongside other Gardeners, lead and supervise volunteers and work with local community groups to share and enhance their passion for the garden. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, carrying out routine tasks such as weeding, pruning, mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors. Growing produce such as fruit, vegetables and floral displays, you’ll work with the Retail, Collections & House and Food & Beverage teams to ensure the garden stays connected with the estate and offers ways for our visitors to engage with the garden. You will work seasonally with the Visitor Experience team to bring out creative ways of expressing the traditions and heritage of the garden, while exploring new methods or ideas in gardening. Other duties might include propagation, preparing plants for sale, tree safety work, purchasing plants and other materials, 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 redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• Confident communicating with the public and supporting engagement activities.
• Able to support work programmes and help keep projects on track.
• Experienced in using machinery safely and following compliance procedures.
• A team player who enjoys working with volunteers and supporting others.
• Hands‑on with practical horticulture and knowledgeable about plant care.
• Happy working outdoors in all weathers and contributing to a busy team.

Additional criteria for all other applicants:

• An enthusiastic horticulturist and hands‑on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before and 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 and 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.