Senior Gardener

Are you an experienced gardener, now ready to discover a new garden and take on a new challenge? This might be just the role for you. 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: Dyrham Park.

Dyrham Park is an architectural tour de force, striking awe in visitors who parade through the formal c17th gardens with cascade, parterres, terraces, courtyards and an orchard. As a busy property, Dyrham Park has a mansion with an internationally significant collection, a historic deer park, veteran champion trees, enriching visitor activities and experiences.

Interviews will be held at Dyrham Park on 22nd or 23rd October.

You will join an established garden team of staff and volunteers and be an advocate for the presentation and horticultural standards. You will bring the formal garden at Dyrham Park into the next chapter of restoration by planning displays with the management staff and adding your own skills and knowledge in to the planning. The garden team is made of many specialist staff and volunteers who are passionate about the conservation of the gardens and you will have many opportunities to hone your career. The garden team is one department in the complex operation to deliver great conservation through which is achieved through a culture of collaboration and co-operation of which you will have a voice.

You will lead a team of volunteer gardeners, Assistant Gardener and Horticultural Apprentice to manage a delegated area within the 12-acre garden, raising presentation standards, ensuring health & safety compliance, maintaining the equipment and infrastructure. You will be working in collaboration with Visitor Experience, Visitor Welcome and Facilities teams to create the best experience of the garden.

You will work closely in collaboration with the Assistant Head Gardener to plan the work schedule of the gardens and support projects at Dyrham Park. You will co-ordinate with the other garden staff to ensure a smooth day to day delivery of work. You will work part of a wider Outdoor team of rangers and park deer manager, supporting each other to ensure we respond to outdoor issues and work a 7-day rota which includes working 1 weekend in 5.

Please also read the full role profile and Prospectus attached to this advert.

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 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

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.