Gardener

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. 

There are 2 contracts available. These roles are based on annualised hours, where the amount of hours you work each month may vary, however your salary will be paid in 12 equal instalments over the year. You’ll work 1950 hours per year, and on average, you’ll work 37.5 hours per week but again, this will be flexible depending on operational demand.

Contract 1: Permanent 

Contract 2: Fixed term contract until 02-Oct-2026

Due to the nature of this role, a full UK driving license will be required.

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.

Click here for more information about this location

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: 

• an experienced horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with a range of herbaceous plants and hard landscaping before 
• knowledgeable about plants with the ability to identify them
• experienced with machinery, including tractors, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance
• 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 
• level 11 Award Certificate or Diploma in Practical Horticulture skills or RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and development

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)
• 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.

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