As a Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands-on member of the garden team, involved in every aspect of gardening at Fountains Abbey. Responsible for day-to-day maintenance, and the highest standards of horticulture, you’ll also play a vital role in improving the experience of visitors to the garden and wider estate. 

You may be asked to work occasional weekends, bank holidays and evenings.  

What it's like to work here

You'll be working with up to 9 other Gardeners, doing a multitude of tasks, ranging from grass cutting snow clearing to weeding and leaf clearance, we also work with the other departments on the estate so the job list can really be anything. The department is structured into 5 signature areas, you would initially be working in the water garden area, but we do have scope for movement, and when we have larger projects, we do work together. There may be a bit of supervision especially with volunteers, but there will be plenty of help at first. We do work weekends in the winter to check the site is safe for our visitors, this is done on a rota and can last anything from a quick 1 hour check, up to 4 hours if there is a problem. Training development will be available both in-house and through outside sources, giving ample opportunity for career advancement. 

What you'll be doing

You'll be helping to keep the garden estate in tiptop condition every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as weeding, pruning and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors.  

Other duties might include propagation,  tree safety work and garden design and restoration, planting both bulbs and trees and shrubs, litter picking, and snow and ice clearance You may be involved in recycling and managing waste, along with the rest of the garden team. 

Providing a great visitor experience and looking after this special place is at the heart of what we do, and we’re passionate about getting the details right. Whether you’re giving our visitors a warm welcome, caring for our buildings or collections or improving conditions for wildlife, every contribution ensures that nature, beauty and history continues to thrive at this special place.

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you’re: 

• an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before 
• knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail. 
• experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance 
• a driver with a full licence  
• able to manage a demanding outdoor role  
• good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people 
• equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own 
• able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines 

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 

• 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