Senior Gardener

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

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in Shrewsbury seeks a Senior Gardener to supervise garden management. You will lead a team, ensure the beauty of the garden, and engage with visitors. Ideal candidates will have practical horticulture experience, supervisory skills, and machinery handling knowledge. The role offers a substantial pension, flexible working, and generous holiday entitlement. This is an opportunity to help maintain a beloved garden and connect with the public.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Flexible working arrangements

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Experience in practical horticulture and plant care.
• Confidence in team supervision and volunteer support.
• Knowledgeable about health and safety legislation.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the day-to-day management of the garden.
• Provide training to new staff and volunteers.
• Engage with visitors by sharing stories about the garden.

Skills

Practical horticulture and plant care

Team supervision

Machinery use

Visitor engagement

Education

Qualifications in horticulture

Tools

Chainsaws

Tractors

Hedge-trimmers

Mowers

Job description

Important notice

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

What it's like to work here

Attingham welcomes more than half a million visitors a year. It 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. It was built in 1785, 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.

What you'll be doing

You’ll be happy working outside in all weathers. And you’ll understand why people love coming to this garden so much, and why 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, to keep it and the plant collection in tip‑top condition. But another crucial element will be motivating the team.

As Senior Gardener, we’d like you to lead by example, lead from the front. You’ll demonstrate exceptional gardening skills, which others can follow and learn from. 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 across the entire site. And you will delight in talking to people visiting the garden, telling them its story and answering their questions.

Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.

Interviews are provisionally scheduled for Tuesday 3rd February 2026.

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

• 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