Assistant Gardener

As Assistant Gardener, you’ll be working with a knowledgeable team to deliver the day-to-day care of the gardens at Lytes Cary Manor and Tintinhull Garden, working to maintain high presentation standards and contribute to the continual development of these beautiful spaces. This role will include a range of practical horticultural tasks to develop, improve and look after the garden and contribute to the delivery of horticultural projects. 

Lytes Cary Manor and Tintinhull Garden, two stunning organically managed arts and crafts inspired gardens in Somerset, are home to a range of plants and horticultural contexts, encompassing mixed and herbaceous borders, kitchen and cutting gardens, topiary, orchards and wildflower meadows, amongst many others, with a wide range of plant species and varieties grown across the 6 and half acres that encompass both gardens.

Working with a knowledgeable garden team, this role would suit a horticulturist looking to build upon their knowledge base of plants and garden maintenance techniques, looking to develop a keen eye for detail and has a passion for plants and horticulture. There are great opportunities to develop a range of skills, working with the team on site as well as attending study days and courses to help your work in the gardens and develop areas of horticultural interest.

Daily responsibilities may include assisting with the planting and maintaining of beds and borders, weeding, pruning, hedge cutting and lawn mowing, working alongside a team of garden staff and volunteers. You’ll talk to the public every day, answering a variety of garden-related questions and talking about what you are doing with enthusiasm and pride. We’re looking for someone with a practical approach to work, getting the day-to-day work done and sharing planting ideas with the team. The role can sometimes be physically challenging, and we use a wide range of machinery and equipment to help us get our work done, including hedge cutters, strimmers and pedestrian mowers.

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