Are you an experienced gardener, now ready to discover a new garden and take on a new challenge? We’ve got an exciting opportunity for a Senior Gardener to join our team. 

If you’re a dedicated and enthusiastic horticulturist, who's keen to make a difference, then we can offer you invaluable experience and development within one of the National Trust’s much loved historic gardens, at Bateman’s.

You’ll be working 5 days per week, and you’ll also occasionally work at weekends, on busy days and some bank holidays. You’ll also share Duty Officer responsibilities for opening property areas, as part of a weekly rota.

What it's like to work here

The Bateman’s and Bodiam Castle portfolio consists of two very different properties run by one passionate team.

Bodiam Castle is an impressive 14th century moated castle and one of the most famous castles in Britain. Set within 27 hectares of parkland, the outdoors spaces are managed to balance the significance of the historic landscape and nature conservation while providing memorable experiences for our visitors.

Ten miles away in Burwash nestles Bateman’s, the former home of Rudyard Kipling. This 17th century house remains much the same as the world-famous writer left it. Bateman's has a real family feel, with a team who will give you a warm welcome. The garden and landscape at Bateman's provided the inspiration for Rudyard's mythical tales in Puck of Pook's Hill and Rewards and Fairies. The garden blends formal design with relaxed planting inspired by the romantic and naturalistic Arts & Crafts movement. The Bateman's garden ethos is to work with nature to enhance biodiversity both in the garden and on the estate.

Nestled in a peaceful corner of East Sussex with beautiful surrounding, this is a great place to live and work.

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 outstanding experience.

We don’t just need you to manage our beautiful gardens, although this is an important part of the role; we’d like you to help manage the team too. As the Senior Gardener in our team, we’d like you to lead by example, with exceptional gardening skills, but you’ll also understand how to manage the workload for this team and deliver exceptional training to new staff and volunteers. 

You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

Who we're looking for

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

• 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

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