Gardener - Shrewsbury

The National Trust; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization is seeking a Gardener in Shrewsbury to maintain and enhance the gardens at Attingham Park. The role involves leading volunteers, performing routine gardening tasks, and ensuring visitor safety. Candidates should have practical horticulture experience, strong teamwork skills, and machinery operation capabilities. This position offers a supportive work environment and diverse benefits.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

EV car lease scheme

Flexible working possibilities

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Confident in communicating with the public.
• Experienced using machinery safely.
• Knowledgeable about plant care.
• Happy working outdoors in all weather.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Pleasure Grounds in excellent condition.
• Lead and supervise volunteers.
• Conduct routine tasks such as weeding and mulching.
• Involve in recycling waste management.

Skills

Communication with the public

Teamwork with volunteers

Practical horticulture

Machinery operation

Planning and time management

Tools

Chainsaws

Tractors

Rotary mowers

Cylinder mowers

Job description

Gardener - Shrewsbury

Summary

• Important notice

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.

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 conserve and care for the estate carrying on the legacy of the eighth Lord and Lady Berwick who left the estate to the National Trust in 1947.

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 1785 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.

Click here for more information about this location

What you'll be doing

You’ll be helping to keep the Pleasure Grounds in tip‑top condition every day. You’ll 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 and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, chainsaws, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors.

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.

You will be part of a wider Gardens team which also manages the Walled Garden at Attingham Park, helping colleagues where necessary.

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 :

Minimum criteria

• 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 are :

Additional criteria

• 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

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

Click here to find out moreabout the benefits we offer to support you.