Gardener - Stourbridge

The National Trust; Stourbridge; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A premier conservation organization in Stourbridge is seeking a part-time Gardener to lead a team of volunteer gardeners and ensure the horticultural excellence of Kinver Edge & the Rock Houses. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in gardening, knowledge of plant care, and the ability to manage a team while engaging with visitors. This role involves varied hours throughout the seasons and requires a full UK driving licence. A flexible work environment and great benefits are included.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

EV car lease scheme

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Employee assistance programme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Hands-on gardener with experience in practical horticulture.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain gardening machinery.
• Experience working with volunteer teams and public engagement.

Responsibilities

• Maintain day-to-day horticulture and garden conditions.
• Lead a team of volunteer gardeners and manage compliance tasks.
• Ensure safe operation of the estate and management of visitors.

Skills

Knowledge of practical horticulture and plant care

Ability to contribute to teamwork and volunteer support

Confidence in communication and public engagement

Experienced with machinery

Good time management skills

Tools

Chainsaws

Tractors

Rotary mowers

Cylinder mowers

Job description

As a part time Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands‑on member of the team, involved in every aspect of gardening at Kinver Edge & the Rock Houses.

Responsible for day‑to‑day maintenance, and the highest standards of horticulture with good plant knowledge relevant to the property. You’ll also play a vital role in improving the experience of visitors to the garden and wider estate.

The role will also involve people management, leading a team of volunteer gardeners and being on the duty manager rota at the Rock Houses.

This role is based on annualised hours, where the amount of hours you work each month may vary, however your salary will be paid in 12 equal instalments over the year.

You'll work 780 hours per year.

You'll be required to work more hours during the summer months and fewer over the winter.

You'll be expected to work a Thursday with flexibility on the other days, and it will include working some weekends and bank holidays.

A full UK driving licence will be required as the ability to drive estate vehicles is essential to the role.

What it's like to work here

We're a small, friendly staff team at the Rock Houses so we all do what is necessary to ensure that the property is well cared for and provides a great experience for our visitors.

Working as part of the South Shropshire portfolio of NT properties, you'll have the opportunity to work collaboratively with the other garden teams at Dudmaston and Benthall Hall as well as having support from our national team.

What you'll be doing

As the only gardener you'll be helping to keep the garden in tip‑top condition.

This might involve regular checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as weeding, pruning, mowing and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers, chainsaws and tractors.

Training will be provided.

You'll be responsible for leading a team of volunteer gardeners, all associated compliance tasks / risk assessments, garden maintenance planning, firewood supply & processing for the Rock Houses and working with other team members supporting our visitor programming.

You'll be on the Duty Manager rota for the Rock Houses which will mean being the most senior person on site, ensuring the safe opening and closing of the site, dealing with any visitor escalations and leading on the fire / emergency evacuation procedure.

Other duties might include some general handyman tasks, propagation, preparing plants / produce for sale, tree safety work, garden design and restoration, supporting the property team with events and opening & closing of the car parks plus as part of a small team any other tasks that are needed to support the property.

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 :

• 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

Criteria for all other applicants

• 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

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

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