Senior Gardener

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

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.

Trengwainton is home to an important plant collection, which has continued to develop from its early twentieth‑century beginnings and the historic families’ passion for plants. The garden continues to flourish with the National Trust to this day. The extensive woodland garden also contains a walled garden that shelters some unusual and more tender plants and has areas of productive horticulture. Reporting to the Head Gardener, you’ll hold accountability for day‑to‑day operations of the gardens, help lead our volunteers and be responsible for the safety and compliance within the garden.

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 tip‑top condition.

But another crucial element will be motivating the team.

As Senior Gardener, we’d like you to lead by example, lead from the front. You’ll demonstrate exceptional gardening skills, which others can follow and learn from. You’ll understand how to help the team manage their daily workload, and you’ll give inspiring and practical training to new staff and volunteers. You’ll build positive working relationships across the entire site. And you will delight in talking to people visiting the garden, telling them its story and answering their questions.

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

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:

• 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 (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• 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

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

Trengwainton Garden

Senior Gardener - Career Level

B.pdf

Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK

Closing Date: 11th January 2026

To apply for this vacancy simply click the ‘apply’…