If you want a career in Gardening, we can offer you some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the UK to work in as well as one of the largest plant collections in Europe.

This role is based on annualised hours, where the amount of hours you work each month may vary, however your salary will be paid in 12 equal installments over the year.

What it's like to work here

This country house, romantic garden and fairy-tale castle are set within a beautiful wooded estate. Scotney Castle is a big growth property in the region, with the team working to improve the visitor experience and facilities. Family-friendly activities at the site include a natural play trail, den building and summer adventures. You'll need your own transport to get here, however this is an exciting time to join the team within a fast-changing and innovative location.

There are regular garden tours for visitors to get involved in and a beautiful walled garden selling local produce and plants. This is A Site of Special Scientific Interest with green-winged orchids and rare plants abound in the wild grass meadows.

What you'll be doing

As a hands-on Gardener, you’ll assist in making sure that the gardens are maintained to a high standard. You’ll be passionate and enthused and knowledgeable about the varied plants within the garden. This role will include a range of practical horticultural tasks to develop, enhance and conserve the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects. You'll be helping with hard and soft landscaping and general maintenance of the garden, such as mulching, pruning, leaf clearing and weeding. You’ll support with the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants. You’ll be helping to cut the hedges and mow our fine lawns. You’ll also take ownership of specific areas of the garden ensuring the highest standards are maintained and healthy plants are available for our visitors to enjoy.

You’ll also support garden volunteers and help them to make the most of their time here. You’ll be expected to interact with the public on a daily basis, answering the many questions, or help out with gardening workshops, tours and helping set up events when needed.

Who we're looking for

To be successful in this role you should be able to demonstrate the below:

• Trained as a professional gardener/horticulturalist with a good level of practical experience.

• RHS Level 2 or equivalent.

• Have proven practical gardening/horticulture experience, as well as a strong knowledge of plants

• Confidence to participate in garden activities and events

• Competence with machinery/equipment use and maintenance; including tractors, chainsaws, and pedestrian mowers with accreditation as required for Health and Safety compliance.

The package

Looking after you

• Health cash plan – from as little as £3.09 per month for you and your dependents

• Pension contribution match up to 10%

• EAP and proactive Health and Wellbeing

• Discounted gym membership

Looking after your career

• Grow your career through professional training courses across the Trust

• Develop your skills with an internal secondment

• Pay review linked to values and behaviours, commitment to progression

• Income protection due to illness

Unique to Us

• Work in some of the most beautiful, iconic and unique locations in the UK

• Free entry to NT properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• 20% off in our Retail and Food & Beverage outlets

• Discount up to 35% off a National Trust holiday cottage booking