Gardener
| Posting date: | 26 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £13.74 per hour |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 08 February 2026 |
| Location: | Godolphin Cross, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9RE |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | National Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | IRC169261 |
Summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Gardener to join the team in the West Cornwall group, responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and horticultural standards at Godolphin with the flexibility of supporting our garden at Trengwainton. We are looking for someone to bring their passion, knowledge and practical skills to help care for this historic Cornish garden at Godolphin. Our priority is to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for all visitors, while offering opportunities to join us in looking after this remarkable place.
Salary: £13.74 per hour
Contract: Permanent
Hours/ working pattern: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week. The role would be Tuesday, Thursday and Friday day times with some weekend work on a rota.
Due to the nature of the role a full UK Driving Licence is required.
What it's like to work here
Godolphin is truly an ancient garden, with the remains of a layout that could date from as early as the 14th century. Despite its atmosphere of deep time, it is gardened sensitively in a sustainable way via organic methods. An orchard, newly planted woodland, and ancient bluebell woodland compliment the landscape.
Reporting to the Head Gardener, you’ll work with the Senior Gardener in day-to-day operations in the gardens. You’ll help support our volunteers and assist in the safety and compliance within the garden.
For more information about our property please visit
What you'll be doing
As gardener at Godolphin, you’ll be carrying out routine maintenance under the direction of the Senior Gardener and ensuring our volunteers are supported. You’ll have the chance to collaborate on new techniques and approaches, and be an advocate of positive teamwork, making the garden a fantastic place to work and thrive. You’ll also care for the plant collection, ensuring its development and resilience.
You’ll be required to support across the wider garden team to ensure the care of our places in West Cornwall.
Who we're looking for
Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:
knowledge of practical horticulture and plant care
ability to contribute to teamwork and volunteer support
understanding of machinery use and safety compliance
experience in work programme and project support
confidence in communication and public engagement
a driver with a full licence
Additonal Criteria for all other applicants: We'd love to hear from you if you’re:
an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before
knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail.
experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance
a driver with a full licence
able to manage a demanding outdoor role
good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own
able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines
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.
• 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
Salary: £13.74 per hour
Contract: Permanent
Hours/ working pattern: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week. The role would be Tuesday, Thursday and Friday day times with some weekend work on a rota.
Due to the nature of the role a full UK Driving Licence is required.
What it's like to work here
Godolphin is truly an ancient garden, with the remains of a layout that could date from as early as the 14th century. Despite its atmosphere of deep time, it is gardened sensitively in a sustainable way via organic methods. An orchard, newly planted woodland, and ancient bluebell woodland compliment the landscape.
Reporting to the Head Gardener, you’ll work with the Senior Gardener in day-to-day operations in the gardens. You’ll help support our volunteers and assist in the safety and compliance within the garden.
For more information about our property please visit
What you'll be doing
As gardener at Godolphin, you’ll be carrying out routine maintenance under the direction of the Senior Gardener and ensuring our volunteers are supported. You’ll have the chance to collaborate on new techniques and approaches, and be an advocate of positive teamwork, making the garden a fantastic place to work and thrive. You’ll also care for the plant collection, ensuring its development and resilience.
You’ll be required to support across the wider garden team to ensure the care of our places in West Cornwall.
Who we're looking for
Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:
knowledge of practical horticulture and plant care
ability to contribute to teamwork and volunteer support
understanding of machinery use and safety compliance
experience in work programme and project support
confidence in communication and public engagement
a driver with a full licence
Additonal Criteria for all other applicants: We'd love to hear from you if you’re:
an enthusiastic horticulturist and hands-on gardener, who’s worked with hard landscaping before
knowledgeable about plants, with a great eye for detail.
experienced with machinery, including tractors, chainsaws, rotary and cylinder mowers, and with some knowledge of maintenance
a driver with a full licence
able to manage a demanding outdoor role
good at talking to, and getting on with, all kinds of people
equally confident working within a team, with volunteers or on your own
able to keep to time, plan and meet deadlines
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.
• 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