Senior Gardener - Yeovil

National Trust; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization is seeking a Senior Gardener for their Tintinhull Garden. This role involves managing a horticulture team, maintaining high presentation standards, and engaging visitors about the garden's history. The ideal candidate will have strong practical horticulture experience, supervisory skills, and a relevant qualification. The position offers a competitive salary of £28,132.65 per annum along with substantial benefits including a pension scheme and work-related discounts.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme up to 10%

Free entry to National Trust places

Rental deposit loan scheme

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Work-related discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Flexible working where possible

Employee assistance programme

Free parking at most Trust places

Qualifications

• Experience in practical horticulture and plant care.
• Supervised others in a horticultural role.
• Able to engage visitors effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage team staff and volunteers.
• Oversee horticulture maintenance and presentation.
• Deliver engaging visitor experiences.

Skills

Practical horticulture

Team supervision

Visitor engagement

Machinery use

Health and safety compliance

Education

Relevant horticulture qualification

Tools

Chainsaws

Tractors

Hedge-trimmers

Mowers

Job description

Responsible for the day‑to‑day maintenance and high standard of horticulture, you'll manage a small team of staff and volunteers, improving the visitor experience at the garden. You will continue to evolve the planting scheme, maintain high presentation standards, and engage visitors about the garden’s history and seasonal interest. As Senior Gardener you report directly to the Property Operations Manager for Lytes Cary Manor & Tintinhull Garden and work closely with the Head Gardener at Lytes Cary. You will also cooperate with other garden teams at Montacute House and Barrington Court. You will take on Duty Manager duties on a rota, including weekends and bank holidays.

Minimum Criteria / Qualifications

• Practical horticulture and plant care.
• Team supervision and volunteer support.
• Machinery use and safety compliance.
• Project and programme delivery.
• Resource and budget awareness.
• Visitor and stakeholder engagement.
• High knowledge of plants.
• Confidence in using and maintaining garden machinery, including chainsaws, tractors, hedge‑trimmers and mowers (both walking and ride‑on).
• Awareness of relevant health and safety legislation and practices.

Someone who combines practical horticulture experience with appropriate qualifications and who has supervised others in a similar role is ideal.

About Tintinhull Garden

The garden was first created by Phyllis Reiss in the 1930s and later cared for by Penelope Hobhouse in the 1980s. Today we work to conserve and improve the garden, balancing its original design with subsequent changes. Visitors can enjoy colourful borders, manicured lawns, hedges, a kitchen garden, and flowering pots. The garden is open to the public from April to September and attracts about 22,000 visitors per season.

Salary and Working Hours

Salary: £28,132.65 per annum (contract: permanent). Hours: full‑time, 37.5 hours per week. You will work some weekends and bank holidays, and take on Duty Manager responsibilities.

Benefits

• Substantial pension scheme up to 10% of 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.
• Work‑related discounts (gym, shopping, cinema).
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days related to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme.
• Flexible working where possible.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Free parking at most Trust places.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The National Trust commits to an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong. We welcome and value difference, and our teams reflect and represent the diversity of our communities and audiences.