Assistant Gardener

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 the Castlefield Viaduct project.

Hours: This role is an hourly paid, fixed term role. Wherever possible we aim to offer a consistent working pattern, but we’re looking for flexibility as it may be necessary for us to alter this pattern from time to time to suit the needs of the business. We’d give you as much notice of this as possible.

You'll most likely be working 1-2 days per week, and this will include weekends. It could also include the occasional bank holiday. Although mostly weekends, there will be some weekday working, Wed-Fri, mainly in the school holidays.

Salary: £12.75 per hour

Duration: Fixed term contract until Sunday 29 March 2026

Interviews: Monday 4 th or Thursday 7th August (TBC)

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’ll report to the Senior Gardener. You will communicate the stories of the Viaduct, keep visitors up to date with the project as it develops and help to manage visitor numbers, alongside caring for the garden. This role will suit someone who enjoys working with other organisations, volunteers, and in particular visitors and wants to be part of a great team.

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 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 forWe'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 packageThe 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)
• 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

Requirements :Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK
Fixed Term p/t (until 29/03/26)