Heritage Garden Gardener — Full‑Time, Visitor‑Focused

National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty; Exeter; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Free entry to NT places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance 32 days

Job summary

National Trust is seeking a Gardener to maintain Castle Drogo’s gardens in Devon. The role covers day-to-day upkeep, pruning, weeding and safe operation of machinery, with opportunities to work across other NT garden sites and contribute to visitor experiences.

You will join a supportive team, with training opportunities and a focus on biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices within a heritage setting.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic horticulturist with hands-on gardening experience, including hard landscaping.
• Experience using garden machinery and maintaining garden spaces.
• Willingness to engage with visitors and volunteers in a heritage setting.

Responsibilities

• Keep Castle Drogo garden in tiptop condition daily, perform weeding, pruning and routine tasks.
• Operate hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors as part of garden upkeep.
• Support propagation, tree safety work and redevelopment of garden areas.
• Work with the garden team and volunteers to maintain biodiversity and sustainability.

Skills

Hands-on gardening

Machinery operation

Plant knowledge

Driver's license

Team player

Public engagement

Education

RHS level 2 or above

Tools

Tractors

Chainsaws

Rotary lawnmowers

Cylinder mowers

Job description

National Trust is seeking a Gardener to maintain Castle Drogo’s gardens in Devon. The role covers day-to-day upkeep, pruning, weeding and safe operation of machinery, with opportunities to work across other NT garden sites and contribute to visitor experiences.

You will join a supportive team, with training opportunities and a focus on biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices within a heritage setting.