Summary

We are looking for an experienced, qualified Senior Gardener to join our team. Reporting to the Head Gardener you'll be responsible for managing the day-to-day care of the gardens at Belton whilst ensuring everyone who visits the garden feel welcome.

There will be some weekend working (approx. 1 in 5). This role will be partly office based.

What it's like to work here

You’ll supervise four other gardeners and a team of support volunteers to maintain, enhance, and conserve Belton’s gardens. We look after the gardens for our visitors and our ambition is to make every visit rewarding, engaging and memorable for everyone.  

Belton House is one of the National Trust’s busiest places and we hope to welcome around 450,000 visitors this year. The Grade 1 listed garden is layered with formal parterres, pleasure gardens, and ponds. It features an orangery of international significance, fountain, maze, extensive spring bulb display, significant tree plantings and numerous statues and garden buildings. 

You’ll be part of a dedicated property team looking after this special place, which also offers an ancient parkland, 17th-century mansion, and the National Trust’s largest outdoor adventure playground.

What you'll be doing

As a Senior Gardener you will:

• Supervise a team of four gardeners and numerous volunteers. 
• Ensure health and safety compliance in the gardens 
• Ensure tools and machinery are maintained. 
• Help develop maintenance plans for the garden. 
• Be involved in or oversee restoration and development projects. 
• Help develop sustainable and efficient ways of working. 
• Support the development and delivery of activities/tours in the gardens. 
• Oversee plant propagation and the development of kitchen garden area. 
• Organise volunteering events. 
• Have opportunities to develop knowledge and skills.

Who we're looking for

We are looking for someone:

• With technical knowledge and substantial experience in horticulture. 
• With experience supervising staff and/or volunteers. 
• With competence in horticultural machinery use and maintenance. 
• Who is passionate about showcasing good horticulture and raising standards. 
• With good knowledge of health and safety. 
• Who’s a team player, willing to get involved and help deliver team and property objectives. 
• Willing to work across a variety horticultural disciplines, as this role will be diverse. 
• Who enjoys interacting with visitors and volunteers. 
• Has creative ideas on how to get visitors to interact with the garden. 
• Driving licence is essential. 
• Chainsaw and PA1 & PA6 desirable.

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.

Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you – and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.

Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible
• Free parking at most locations
• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary