Senior Gardener - Wilmslow

***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY PLEASE***

We are looking for a Senior Gardener to join us for the next chapter of the Quarry Bank Story on a 12 month contract.

One of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, set in picturesque gardens and countryside. The wider agricultural landscape, which incorporates village and Apprentice House, provides the essential rural setting to this unusual and rare and “perfect survivor of the industrial picturesque”. Our main focus is telling the story of the first 50 years of Quarry Bank and the people who lived and worked here.

You'll be required to work weekends.

This is a 12 month fixed-term contract, which could be a great secondment opportunity. We would encourage you to speak to your current manager to discuss if this is something they would allow.

You'll join a team of six staff in this incredibly friendly team - everyone is welcoming and passionate about our gardens. The team is made of a Head Gardener,  Senior Gardener, Gardener and 4 Gardeners.

The gardens themselves contain 18th century Picturesque elements, plus a Victorian parterre, rock gardens, restored walled garden of edibles, cut flower and wall-trained fruit with vinery as well as orchards, wildflower meadows, stunning ornamental borders and striking geology. All with a river running through it. We entice over 250,000 visitors a year who come and enjoy all we have to offer.

The friendly and committed team at Quarry Bank will provide you with a welcoming and supportive work environment. The working environment is flexible, and we all support each other and learn from one another. There’s plenty of scope for further training, in house and external, to continue to build relevant practical and people skills. We have some exciting new projects over the next few years to take the garden to the next level so it is a great time to join the team.

As a Senior Gardener you'll be key support to the Head Gardener - involved with work planning, procurement and compliance – as well as being organised and an effective communicator.

There’s a huge variety of tasks in the extensive gardens which means you’ll be doing something different almost every day.

You’ll take part in the long-term planning and help set the strategy for the garden department. Additionally, we’ll support you with the machinery and horticultural training you require or wish to pursue. You need to be able to carry out physically demanding work daily on a site with steep hills, be competent with machinery such as mowers, strimmers and hedgecutters. 

You'll be able to connect with, motivate and inspire your gardening colleagues and volunteers as well as share an enthusiasm for engaging our visitors in the Quarry Bank story and aims of the National Trust.

You’ll also take ultimate ownership of significant areas, maintaining and developing your area, an excellent opportunity to leave your mark in a very special place. There are around 50 volunteers within the garden team, and they will look to you for inspiration and leadership.

Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert.

We’d love to hear from you, if you’re:

• 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 hedge-trimmers pedestrian mowers, strimmers and blowers
• confident using a computer
• used to working in a public facing role  

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)

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• EV car lease scheme 

• 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

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.