Are you an experienced gardener, now ready to take on a new challenge and more responsibility? 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 Lawrence Johnston’s garden at Hidcote. Working as part of a small senior team, you will help to lead and inspire a enthusiastic team of gardeners, assistant gardeners, apprenticeships and volunteers.
Salary: £28,993 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
What it’s like to work here
As a significant early 20th century garden of its time, Hidcote is a special place, now harnessing Lawrence Johnston’s vision for the garden alongside the challenges of a changing climate and the need to work more sustainably and improve the garden’s resilience for present and future generations.
You’ll spend each day at a really special place, working alongside talented, knowledgeable, committed and friendly people, using a combination of technical skills, knowledge and creativity to help conserve these places, for everyone. You’ll see the impact of your work each day, and be rewarded to hear from visitors about how they have enjoyed and connected with the garden. You’ll spend about 80% of your time on practical tasks and 20% on planning under key responsibilities, including the IrisBG database, apprenticeships, grass management and leading the development of parts of the garden.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll be happy working outside in all weathers, both working alongside and leading the team. You’ll understand why people love coming to this garden so much, and why your role is part of helping visitors enjoy their day. An important part of your role will be leading a set of key responsibilities using your strengths and developing new skills as part of the senior team.
Demonstrating exceptional gardening skills, which others can follow and learn from, you’ll give inspiring and practical training to new staff and volunteers. Building positive working relationships across the entire site, you will enjoy talking to people visiting the garden, sharing the history of the place as well as how the garden is managed now.
Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.
Who we’re looking for
- 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.
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- 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.
National Trust place
Hidcote Manor Garden, Hidcote Bartrim, Chipping Campden, GL55 6LR
Documents
Senior Gardener – Career Level B.pdf
Requirements
Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK
Additional information
Closing Date: 7th June 2026
To apply for this vacancy simply click the ‘apply’ button in the top right hand side of the page.
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here .
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment process to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.
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