Assistant Gardener
| Posting date: | 21 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £13.25 per hour |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 03 May 2026 |
| Location: | Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, TN14 6AY |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | National Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | IRC174540 |
Summary
As Assistant Gardener, you’ll be working with a 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.
Salary: £13.25 per hour
Contract Duration: Permanent
Working Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: You will be working 3 days a week, with regular weekend and public/ bank holiday working. The frequency required will be 1 in 4 weekends.
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
In this role, you will be reporting to the Head Gardener and join a small team of 3 members of staff.
Emmetts Garden forms part of the Chatwell Portfolio and is an increasingly popular woodland garden, with a strong horticultural interest and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its expansive bluebell-filled woodlands. The garden was initially developed by the Lubbock family who were keen plant collectors of their time, and has continued to grow ever since into a place of beauty and botanic interest.
What you'll be doing
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 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 Electric vehicles, 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
Salary: £13.25 per hour
Contract Duration: Permanent
Working Hours: 22.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: You will be working 3 days a week, with regular weekend and public/ bank holiday working. The frequency required will be 1 in 4 weekends.
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
In this role, you will be reporting to the Head Gardener and join a small team of 3 members of staff.
Emmetts Garden forms part of the Chatwell Portfolio and is an increasingly popular woodland garden, with a strong horticultural interest and a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its expansive bluebell-filled woodlands. The garden was initially developed by the Lubbock family who were keen plant collectors of their time, and has continued to grow ever since into a place of beauty and botanic interest.
What you'll be doing
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 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 Electric vehicles, 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