A rare chance to join the team at one of the Trust’s most significant gardens: Munstead Wood, home of Gertrude Jekyll, the celebrated garden designer, gardener and craftswoman. Miss Jekyll was respected in her lifetime as a pioneer of modern gardening, and her legacy lives on. Munstead Wood has much to offer, for our dedicated garden team, and for future visitors. The property is currently closed to the public whilst plans for future access and restoration are developed.
Munstead Wood is a unique property to be a part of, and we’re looking for an enthusiastic individual to join us on the long-term journey as part of the growing garden team.
In the future, you’ll also be expected to work weekends as part of a rota.
We want someone creative and proactive, who can help us care for this special garden.
What you’ll be doing
Enthusiastic, practical and with a passion for historic gardens, you’ll assist in maintaining Munstead Wood to a high standard in the spirit of Miss Jekyll. You’ll have an eye for detail, work creatively, and gain an understanding of the signature style that makes her own home and garden so unique.
You’ll be working across the garden, using your horticultural knowledge to deliver a range of practical tasks. You’ll take on specific responsibilities to assist with the daily maintenance of this celebrated garden, including supervising volunteers when required and supporting community partnerships. You’ll help in furthering garden compliance tasks and participate in developing sustainable horticultural practices. You’ll be willing to grow your horticultural skills and knowledge through additional training and experience.
There will be the opportunity to be involved in the restoration of the various garden character areas. You’ll be expected to interact with a wide variety of visitors, consultants and contractors.
Who we’re looking for
- an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands‑on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before
- 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
- a 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
The package
- 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
Munstead Wood, Munstead Wood, Godalming, GU7 1UN
Documents
- Gardener – Career Level B.pdf
- Munstead Wood – RECRUITMENT PACK – update.pdf
Requirements
Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK
Additional information
Closing Date: 28 June 2026
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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