This Senior Gardener position offers a unique and exciting opportunity to lead the gardens of two small but significant properties; Alfriston Clergy House and Monk’s House. 

Along with some great benefits, we can offer a salary range of between £25,622 - £27,300 pa depending on experience. 

What it's like to work here

Monks House is based in Rodmell near Lewes and was Leonard and Virginia Woolf's 16th-century country retreat, whilst Alfriston Clergy House was the National Trusts' first building purchased in 1896. The gardens at both properties form a large part of the visitor experience and we are looking for an experienced, highly organised, and motivated gardener to push the boundaries and help us care for these historic gardens.

The role offers much autonomy within a framework so you can really put your own handwriting on these beautiful gardens. If you are a garden visionary that understands how to be sympathetic to the needs and spirit of the location, then this may be just the role for you.

What you'll be doing

You’ll love working outdoors and understand that our gardens and grounds are as significant as our mansion houses, collections, and our historical places. Our visitors tell us how much they enjoy the peace and tranquillity of our well-kept outdoor spaces, which makes your role vital in making sure our visitors have an amazing experience.

As well as being passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the various plants within the gardens, you'll also need to be just as enthused about telling the garden stories to our visitors. In addition, you’ll also work with site teams to organise gardening workshops, tours and support the development of an exciting programme of events.

You'll work alongside our Site Managers and other stakeholders within the Trust to deliver the highest possible standard of presentation, horticulture, and visitor experience

You’ll set the direction of how we care for these wonderful gardens, write and develop garden management plans and deliver these plans by leading our skilled and dedicated garden volunteers each day. 

You'll be a great communicator and all-around people person; your interpersonal skills will be just as important as your technical skills in this role.

Who we're looking for

• Significant practical experience in horticulture supported by relevant qualifications

• Have supervisory experience from a similar role

• Excellent knowledge of plants

• Competent with the use and maintenance of garden machinery including chainsaws, tractors, hedge trimmers, pedestrian and ride on mowers

• Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and practice