Assistant Gardener

The National Trust's Growing Scholarship is a fixed term 12 month contract, working hands-on, learning to a set training program under the supervision of our expert technicians. You'll be working within the Nursery and Organic Vegetable Garden at Sissinghurst Castle Garden.

Interviews: 12 December 2024 and 16 December 2024

Proposed start date: 3 February 2025

For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden has been a foundation of horticultural learning for decades. As one of the leading international gardens, we aim to foster an informal yet highly credible training environment to nurture and develop future gardeners.

The team led by our Head Gardener, will be involved in helping our scholars to get the most from their experience. The emphasis will be on practical skills, developing, and learning throughout the season.

To find out more about what its like to work in a Gardening Team for the National Trust click here: The Growing Scholar, Recruitment Open.mp4

You'll be working Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 4.30pm with two days in the Organic Vegetable Garden and two days in the Propagation Unit. One day a week will be spent allocated to consolidating your learning through written journals, courses and work experiences.

We'd love to hear from you if you are:

• comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way

• able to work alone or under direction and as part of a team

• positive with the drive to get things done

• keen to learn new things

• focused on detail

• enthusiastic about the work you do and happy to share this with visitors 

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. 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 locations

• Independent financial advice