Assistant Gardener

We've got an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Gardener to join our team at Ham House. As an Assistant Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be working with the garden 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. 

Please note that the advertised salary is inclusive of an Outer London weighting allowance of £3,315 per annum.

17th Century Ham House and Garden is the most visited pay for entry National Trust property in London, and a lot of that is thanks to an exemplary garden and outdoors offering. From the highly productive kitchen garden and the 500,000 spring bulbs planted in the Plats, to the Wilderness and Terrace borders, Ham’s gardens have been designed to impress since the 17th century.

The 12 acre garden re-creates what historically ‘might have been’, following work in the 1970s to reinstate 17th century character. Today our dedicated team lovingly tends this secluded garden oasis alongside two flood meadows, carefully managed with nature in mind.

With four in the garden team, you’ll be reporting to the Head Gardener and working with our volunteers too. Working hours Monday – Thursday are 7.30-4.00pm, with 7.30-1.30pm on a Friday.

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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 a passion for 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. 

We feel that a garden should not be restricted by its historic roots, but inspired by them – so you'll be helping make sure our garden is constantly evolving to keep the its original spirit alive in a way that speaks to today’s garden lovers. 

We'd love to hear from you if you are:

• comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way

• able to work alone or under direction and as part of a team

• positive with the drive to get things done

• keen to learn new things

• focused on detail

• passionate about the work you do and happy to share this with visitors 

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. 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 locations

• Independent financial advice