Overview
We have an amazing opportunity for a Gardener to join our hardworking team in an exciting and varied role at our properties in the Thames Valley group, nurturing three gardens in close proximity – Basildon Park, Greys Court and Nuffield Place. 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 and wider estate. You may be asked to work some weekends, bank holidays and evenings.
We’re also fortunate to work alongside a dedicated community of volunteer gardeners who share our love of plants, people and the stories these landscapes hold. Together, we help welcome around 300,000 visitors each year, with the gardens and outdoor spaces forming a memorable and much‑loved part of their experience.
The Thames Valley group of gardens is home to a small, friendly and proudly hands‑on team. Working across Greys Court near Henley on Thames and Basildon Park in Reading, our gardeners bring skill, curiosity and a real can do spirit to everything they do. The team includes a Senior Gardener, two full‑time Gardeners and a part‑time Assistant Gardener, all supported and encouraged by our Head Gardener, whose passion for slow gardening and healthy soil shapes the way we care for these special places.
Responsibilities
What you’ll be doing – you’ll be helping to keep the pleasure grounds at Basildon Park in tip‑top condition every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as weeding, pruning and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors. Other duties might include propagation, tree safety work, nature‑friendly gardening, and some garden design and restoration. You may be involved in recycling and managing waste, along with the rest of the garden team.
Qualifications
- Enthusiastic horticulturist and hands‑on gardener, who has worked with hard landscaping, 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.
- 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.
Benefits
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.
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