Senior Gardener

National Trust; Droitwich Spa; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent heritage organization seeks a Senior Gardener in Droitwich Spa, UK. This role includes supervising garden management, motivating a team, and showcasing horticultural expertise. Applicants should have practical experience and relevant qualifications in horticulture, and confidence in using various garden machinery. The position offers a competitive benefits package, including a substantial pension scheme and perks at work discounts.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Discounts such as gym memberships

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Qualifications

• Experience in practical horticulture and plant care.
• Confidence in team supervision and volunteer support.
• Skills in machinery use and adherence to safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the management of the garden.
• Motivate the team and provide practical training.
• Engage with visitors and share the garden's story.

Skills

Practical horticulture and plant care

Team supervision

Machinery use

Health and safety compliance

Visitor engagement

Education

Relevant horticultural qualifications

Tools

Chainsaws

Tractors

Hedge-trimmers

Mowers

Job description

Summary

In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

Are you an experienced gardener, now ready to discover a new garden and take on a new challenge? This could be the role for you. If you’re a dedicated and enthusiastic horticulturist, who's keen to make a difference, then we can offer you invaluable experience and development within one of the National Trust’s much loved historic gardens, Hanbury Hall.

You’ll work 37.5 hours per week and your working pattern will be Sunday - Thursday.

What it's like to work here

A country retreat in the heart of Worcestershire. The house and garden, originally a stage-set for summer parties, offer a glimpse into life at the turn of the 18th century. Included in the Hall are original wall-paintings by Sir James Thornhill, which are full of drama and politics and show the birth of Georgian society.

The original formal gardens, designed by George London, have been faithfully re-created and complement the relaxed later gardens, with orangery, orchards and walled garden.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be happy working outside in all weathers. People love coming to this garden and your role is vital in making sure that they have their best possible day. An important part of your role will be supervising the day-to-day management of the garden. Tasks include hedge cutting to a high standard, mowing, strimming and weeding to present the garden to a high standard.

As Senior Gardener, you'll lead by example to motivate the team to get the best from them. You’ll demonstrate exceptional gardening skills, including propagating from seed and cuttings. You’ll understand how to help the team manage their daily workload, and you’ll give inspiring and practical training to new staff and volunteers. You’ll build positive working relationships with the team across the entire site. You will delight in talking to people visiting the garden, telling them its story and answering their questions.

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:

• experience in practical horticulture and plant care
• confidence in team supervision and volunteer support
• skills in machinery use and adherence to safety compliance standards
• knowledge of project and programme delivery with measurable outcomes
• understanding of resource management and budget control
• skilled in visitor and stakeholder engagement, fostering positive relationships

Additional criteria for all other applicants:

• someone who combines practical experience in horticulture with appropriate qualifications
• used to supervising others in a similar role
• highly knowledgeable about plants
• confident in using and maintaining garden machinery, including chainsaws, tractors, hedge‑trimmers and mowers (both walking and ride‑on)
• aware of relevant health and safety legislation and practices

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 (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• 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