Gardener & Volunteers Team Lead — Coastal Demesne

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty; Castlerock; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance

Job summary

National Trust Downhill Demesne in Castlerock is seeking a hands-on Gardener to join the garden team. You’ll maintain daily garden care and help improve visitors' experience across the estate. This fixed-term, part-time role runs 30 hours a week with duties including pruning, weeding, mulching, and operating lawn machinery.

Start date 4th January 2027, with potential weekend work. You will supervise volunteers, work with events, and contribute to preserving historic garden features across the

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic horticulturist with hands-on gardening experience.
• Knowledgeable about plants with eye for detail.
• Experience using machinery such as tractors and mowers.
• Full driving licence required.
• Able to manage a demanding outdoor role and work with others.

Responsibilities

• Keep the gardens in tiptop condition daily.
• Perform daily safety checks for visitors and staff.
• Weeding, pruning and mulching as routine tasks.
• Operate machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors.
• Support propagation, garden design and restoration.
• Assist in recycling and waste management with the garden team.
• Supervise volunteers and collaborate with events to present the gardens to the public.

Skills

Hands-on gardening

Plant knowledge

Machinery experience

Full driving licence

Team player

Tools

Tractors

Chainsaws

Lawn mowers

Rotary mower

Cylinder mower

Job description

National Trust Downhill Demesne in Castlerock is seeking a hands-on Gardener to join the garden team. You’ll maintain daily garden care and help improve visitors' experience across the estate. This fixed-term, part-time role runs 30 hours a week with duties including pruning, weeding, mulching, and operating lawn machinery.

Start date 4th January 2027, with potential weekend work. You will supervise volunteers, work with events, and contribute to preserving historic garden features across the