Gardener

About the role

Would you like to work for the charity that cares for hundreds of historic sites in every corner of England? With 14 main garden sites and dedicated garden teams, we are looking for a Gardener to join our team at Audley End House and Gardens, near Saffron Walden, Essex. This is a full‑time role working 36 hours per week.

Audley End comprises a 100 acre garden and landscape. The front aspect of the House was designed by Capability Brown in 1763; there is a 1830s Parterre at the rear of the House combining shrub, herbaceous perennial and annual bedding plants; and a restored Victorian Kitchen Garden run to Soil Association organic standards.

You will be part of a garden team comprising 13 staff and 65 volunteers. This role will have split responsibilities in our wider landscape and ornamental gardens. You will be expected to:

• Operate garden machinery including pedestrian mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, leaf blowers, a tractor, telehandler and cherry picker.
• Assist with the active hot composting system, training to use the telehandler, tractor and compost machine.
• Work as part of the ornamental team to produce 2 bedding schemes each year and maintain and develop shrub and herbaceous borders across the site.
• Maintain and present the gardens to high standards, ensuring they are well‑maintained and welcoming to visitors.

• NVQ level 2 standard in amenity horticulture or equivalent.
• Previous experience working in a high‑quality horticultural establishment.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently on your own or as part of a wider team.

• Comprehensive training and CPD.
• Opportunity to progress your career.
• Flexible hours.
• Opportunities to attend live music and history events.
• Free access to all English Heritage sites for you, and up to six friends and family members.
• 25% discount in our shops and cafés.
• Corporate subscription/membership to gardening organisations.
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/shared parental leave.
• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays pro‑rata, rising to 28 days after 3 years.
• Options to buy additional leave.
• Matched pension contributions up to 10%.

We’re committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work. EDI networks are in place for Ethnic Diversity, Faith & Belief, Social Equity, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergence, Age, Disability and Gender Health and Wellbeing.

We take wellbeing seriously and support a safe workplace with mental health first aiders, regular events, and an Employee Assistance Programme. Reasonable adjustments are available.

If you would like to talk to us about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Louise Ellis, Head Gardener, at louise.e No agencies please.

Interviews will be held in early March in person at Audley End House.