Assistant Gardener
| Dyddiad hysbysebu: | 02 Mawrth 2026 |
|---|---|
| Cyflog: | £24,863 bob blwyddyn |
| Oriau: | Llawn Amser |
| Dyddiad cau: | 15 Mawrth 2026 |
| Lleoliad: | Saltram, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 1UH |
| Gweithio o bell: | Ar y safle yn unig |
| Cwmni: | National Trust |
| Math o swydd: | Parhaol |
| Cyfeirnod swydd: | IRC166872 |
Crynodeb
We are looking for an Assistant Gardener to join our team in caring for and developing our beautiful and varied, 275-year-old, 22-acre historic garden here at Saltram. In this physically demanding role, you will be helping to look after the garden along with our dedicated team of volunteers. You will be working with a range of horticultural machinery and equipment in order to help care for the more than 1,500 species of ornamental plants that form an important living collection. You will also be an approachable and friendly presence for our visitors.
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week. The regular working pattern for this role will include working at least one weekend day each week, and you may also be expected to work some bank holidays.
Salary: £12.75 per hour, we’re currently undertaking our pay review process and it is likely that this salary will be increased from 1st April 2026.
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
Enveloping the Georgian mansion, which has been awarded the status of Discovery House within the organisation, the garden is at the heart of Saltram and enjoys views out over the 500 acres of surrounding parkland. Much loved by our visitors, the garden has a rich and interesting history and varied horticultural offerings. You’ll help us to care for extensive herbaceous borders, diverse woody plant collections and woodland groundcover planting, veteran, champion, and many other impressive specimen trees, tropical and exotic planting, a mixture of rich wildflower meadows and expansive lawns, a collection of heritage daffodils, a fine collection of citrus and a working Orangery. You will work in all areas of the garden, helping to maintain and develop this very special place.
Saltram was originally designed in the 18th century, and the garden still includes areas presented in that period’s style but interestingly has also been influenced by later generations and garden styles over the intervening 275 years. Saltram was originally conceived to show off the latest fashions and styles, and high presentation standards are still integral today. As the current custodians of the garden, we continue that ethos by embracing a spirit of experimentation, trying out new plants and horticultural techniques where appropriate.
The garden has undergone a significant improvement in the past decade, however we are not resting on our laurels, with further enhancements to the garden planned in coming years. It is an exciting time at Saltram, and you could be a part of the team that is helping our garden continue to thrive.
For more information about our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Saltram
What you'll be doing
As well as having some practical horticultural skills and experience you will also be an effective team player, with the role of Assistant Gardener sitting at the heart of the team, between the Head Gardener and Senior Gardener who lead the team, and our 30 Garden Volunteers. There is also scope for you to develop yourself, both in terms of improving your existing skills and taking opportunities to learn new things.
Daily responsibilities may include assisting with the planting and maintaining of shrub and borders, mulching, hedge cutting and lawn mowing. You’ll work alongside 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 an interest in 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.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you're
comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
willing to learn new skills
focused on detail
well organised approach
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
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week. The regular working pattern for this role will include working at least one weekend day each week, and you may also be expected to work some bank holidays.
Salary: £12.75 per hour, we’re currently undertaking our pay review process and it is likely that this salary will be increased from 1st April 2026.
For this role, you’ll need to complete our online assessment instead of using a C.V. or online application form. This will help us understand more about your strengths and give you more information on the role.
What it's like to work here
Enveloping the Georgian mansion, which has been awarded the status of Discovery House within the organisation, the garden is at the heart of Saltram and enjoys views out over the 500 acres of surrounding parkland. Much loved by our visitors, the garden has a rich and interesting history and varied horticultural offerings. You’ll help us to care for extensive herbaceous borders, diverse woody plant collections and woodland groundcover planting, veteran, champion, and many other impressive specimen trees, tropical and exotic planting, a mixture of rich wildflower meadows and expansive lawns, a collection of heritage daffodils, a fine collection of citrus and a working Orangery. You will work in all areas of the garden, helping to maintain and develop this very special place.
Saltram was originally designed in the 18th century, and the garden still includes areas presented in that period’s style but interestingly has also been influenced by later generations and garden styles over the intervening 275 years. Saltram was originally conceived to show off the latest fashions and styles, and high presentation standards are still integral today. As the current custodians of the garden, we continue that ethos by embracing a spirit of experimentation, trying out new plants and horticultural techniques where appropriate.
The garden has undergone a significant improvement in the past decade, however we are not resting on our laurels, with further enhancements to the garden planned in coming years. It is an exciting time at Saltram, and you could be a part of the team that is helping our garden continue to thrive.
For more information about our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Saltram
What you'll be doing
As well as having some practical horticultural skills and experience you will also be an effective team player, with the role of Assistant Gardener sitting at the heart of the team, between the Head Gardener and Senior Gardener who lead the team, and our 30 Garden Volunteers. There is also scope for you to develop yourself, both in terms of improving your existing skills and taking opportunities to learn new things.
Daily responsibilities may include assisting with the planting and maintaining of shrub and borders, mulching, hedge cutting and lawn mowing. You’ll work alongside 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 an interest in 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.
You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all of the knowledge, skills and experience listed in the role profile; this is just to provide a full picture of what’s possible in this role.
Who we're looking for
We'd love to hear from you if you're
comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative
focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
willing to learn new skills
focused on detail
well organised approach
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