Assistant Gardener

As Assistant Gardener , you’ll be working with a team to deliver the day-to-day care of the garden and maintain high presentation standards. This role will include a range of practical tasks to develop, improve and look after the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects.

Salary: £13.25 per hour

Contract Duration: Fixed term until 31st December 2026

Contract Type: This is a zero-hour contract, meaning we can’t guarantee a set number of hours each week. While we aim to provide a consistent work pattern, flexibility is needed as schedules may change based on business needs. We’ll try to give as much notice as possible. The role includes weekends and Bank Holidays, but does not require evening or split shifts. A typical shift would be 8am to 4pm.

Interview Date: Friday 17th July

For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.

What it's like to work here:We are a team of gardeners working across three varied sites within the Cheshire Landscapes Portfolio: Hare Hill Garden, Little Moreton Hall, and Castlefield Viaduct. This is a flexible role, based at Hare Hill, with the opportunity to work across the other sites. However, there is no requirement to do so, and any travel to the other gardens will be provided.

Reporting to the Head Gardener, this role will support the team in delivering agreed plans and maintaining high standards of presentation across all three locations. It offers an excellent introduction to a career with the National Trust, with full training provided.

What you'll be doing:Daily responsibilities may include assisting with the planting and maintaining of shrub and borders, mulching, hedge cutting and lawn mowing. You’ll work alongside gardeners and a team of volunteers. You’ll talk to the public every day, answering a variety of garden-related questions and talking about what you are doing with pride. We’re looking for someone with a practical approach to work, getting the day-to-day work done and an interest in plants. The role can sometimes be physically challenging, and we use a wide range of machinery and equipment to help us get our work done. The use of machinery such as tractors, hedge trimmers and pedestrian mowers is essential, but training will be provided.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.

Who we're looking forWe'd love to hear from you if you're

• comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
• a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
• focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
• willing to learn new skills
• focused on detail
• well organised approach

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 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

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Fixed Term p/t (until 31/12/26)