Gardener - Banbury, Oxfordshire

Summary

As a Gardener, you’ll be a hands-on member of the garden team, involved in every aspect of gardening at Upton House & Gardens and occasionally at Farnborough Hall. 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. 
You’ll become part of a team rota working some weekends, bank holidays and evenings. 

What it's like to work here

Reporting to the Head Gardener, you’ll be working in a small team of 4 other Gardeners, 1 Senior Gardener and 2 Assistant Gardeners.

The garden is renowned for its herbaceous borders which flower at specific times, ending with a dramatic autumn border full of colour with plants from the National Collection.  This is a garden set in a valley on a steep bank with grass pathways and hedgerows and its variety of spring bulb displays, annual tulip displays, herbaceous plants and Kitchen Garden.

What you'll be doing

With your knowledge and skills, you'll be helping to keep the garden well maintained to a high presentation level every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as mowing, weeding, pruning and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors. 
Other duties might include propagation, working in the glasshouses to propagate a range of different plants, nursery work, tree safety work, responsibility of a garden area and ongoing restoration work. You may be involved in recycling and managing compost, along with the rest of the garden team. 

Who we're looking for

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

• a skilful, enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with a range of herbaceous plants and hard landscaping before 
• knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail
• experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance 
• a driver with a full licence  
• able to manage a demanding outdoor role  
• good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people 
• equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own 
• able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines 

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)

• Tax-free childcare scheme

• 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.