Senior Gardener

Important notice

In line with our redeployment policy, we'll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

We are currently recruiting for a Senior Gardener to join us here at Lanhydrock, National Trust, as a permanent member of our team 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: Lanhydrock, National Trust.

Salary: £28,509 per annum

Contact: Permanent

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Please ensure you include a cover letter within your application, outlining what aspects of this role suit your skill set.

What it's like to work here

The Lanhydrock estate comprises a grade 1 listed mansion set in a 25 acre garden and surrounded by 910 acres of countryside. The property is presented today at its late Victorian zenith when it was the home of Thomas, 2nd Lord Robartes, his wife Mary and their large family who were looked after by a staff of 80. The property offers a fascinating insight into the workings of a country estate, both above and below stairs.

For more information about our property please visit

The Lanhydrock garden is managed by the Head Gardener with the team consisting of a Vacant Senior Gardener position (This Role), two Gardeners and a Garden Apprentice. The team also includes a growing number of volunteers.

What you'll be doing

You'll be happy working outside in all weathers. And you'll understand why people love coming to this garden so much, and why your role is vital in making sure that they have their best possible day. An important part of your role will be supervising the day-to-day management of the garden, to keep it and the plant collection in tiptop condition. But another crucial element will be motivating the team.

As a Senior Gardener for the National Trust, you'll be a hands-on member of the garden team, involved in every aspect of gardening at Lanhydrock. You will be 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 will be required to work the occasional weekend, bank holiday and evening on a rotational basis.

On occasion you will be asked to deputise for the Head Gardener at Property Leadership Meetings and any other operational tasks that will require your attention when the Head Gardener is unavailable or otherwise engaged. The Senior Gardener at Lanhydrock is also the Apprenticeship Mentor and Role Model, helping to guide and support Apprentices through their course and ensure they successfully complete their EPAs.

Who we're looking for

Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:

• Practical horticulture and plant care
• Team supervision and volunteer support
• Machinery use and safety compliance
• Project and programme delivery
• Resource and budget awareness
• Visitor and stakeholder engagement

Additional criteria for all other applicants:

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

For this role, we are looking for a competent Horticulturist with suitable and relevant qualifications in horticulture, with sound tree and shrub identification, as well as tickets and or training, ideally, in the following areas:

• Garden Management/Planning, Care and Maintenance
• Use of chainsaws and polesaws
• Tractor driving and tractor implement use
• MEWP or working at height training
• Use of other garden machinery including, strimmers, hedge trimmers and mowers
• Operational Risk Management
• Tree Safety Management

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