Senior Gardener

Are you an experienced Gardener and ready for your next challenge, then we may have just the role for you. This is a new position at Quarry Bank and you’ll join us full time on a 3 year fixed term contract.

If you’re a dedicated and enthusiastic horticulturist, who’s keen to make a difference, we offer experience and development within a beautiful garden that is key component of a popular & unique historic site of key significance to our world as we know it, we’d love to hear from you.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact our Head Gardener, Katharine Cook: katharine.cook@nationaltrust.org.uk

Interviews will be held at Quarry Bank, date TBC.

For further information please see attached prospectus for this role.

What it’s like to work here:This story of the former cotton mill, owners house, gardens, village and estate was first began in 1784 and is one of Britain’s greatest industrial heritage sites. Quarry Bank is a popular and much loved visitor attraction and the garden is a significant element to the story and fundamental to our visitors enjoyment.

Over the last 15 years the Upper and Lower Garden have been restored and developed, with the garden team demonstrating high quality productive and ornamental horticulture, including orchards, restricted fruits, Victorian Parterre and rock gardens, whilst telling the story of the mill owners and the lives of the workers. Yet there is more to do! This is an exciting opportunity to work with a team who pride themselves on being dynamic, highly motivated and passionate people.

What you’ll be doing:You’ll love working outdoors and understand that our gardens are a crucial component of the story. Our visitors tell us how much they enjoy the beauty, peace and tranquillity of our dramatic & well-tended garden, which means your role is vital in making sure our visitors have an amazing experience.

We don’t just need you to supervise the management of our beautiful gardens, although this is an important part of the role; we’d like you to help motivate the team too. As the Senior Gardener in our team, we’d like you to lead by example, with exceptional gardening skills, but you’ll also understand how to manage the day-to-day workload for this team, engage visitors, deliver exceptional training to new staff and volunteers and build positive working relationships across the property.

Who we’re looking forTo be successful in this role you should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Significant practical experience in horticulture supported by relevant qualifications

• Have supervisory experience from a similar role

• Excellent knowledge of plants

• Competent with the use and maintenance of garden machinery including chainsaws, tractors, hedge trimmers, pedestrian and ride on mowers

• Knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and practice.

The packageThe 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 properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. 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 locations

• Independent financial advice