Senior Gardener

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 muchloved historic gardens at Antony.

Accommodation is provided to the postholder for the proper or better performance of their duties in accordance with Trust criteria and HMRC rules.

What it's like to work here

You will be working with a small team of full and part-time staff at Antony.

Antony is still home to the Carew Pole Family. Discover the story of a family who became caught up in the extraordinary events of the English Civil War. Their history is bound up in this beautiful house.  A house of silver grey stone, Antony is a beguiling mixture of the formal and informal. It's believed to be one of the finest surviving Queen Anne buildings in the West Country.

View the outstanding collection of portraits, including works by Sir Joshua Reynolds and a famous painting of Charles I during his trial. There are also fine examples of period furniture, textiles and tapestries.

Breathe in the sweeping views as you explore the landscape garden, which includes a formal garden with topiary, modern sculptures and a summer garden, amongst many other horticultural delights. .

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 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.

Who we're looking for

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 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.