Gardener

National Trust Group; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious environmental organization is seeking an enthusiastic Gardener to join their team at Wimpole Estate in Cambridge. The role involves maintaining the gardens and supporting volunteer initiatives to enhance visitor experiences. Applicants should be experienced in horticulture, machinery, and enjoy working outdoors. A full driver’s license is required, and the role might include occasional weekend work. Join a dedicated team that values diversity and offers a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Substantial pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Perks at work discounts

Holiday allowance up to 32 days

Responsibilities

• Maintain day-to-day garden operations at the Wimpole Estate.
• Perform routine tasks including weeding, pruning, and mulching.
• Support volunteer management and enhance visitor experiences.

Skills

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

enthusiastic horticulturist

experienced with machinery

driver with a full licence

able to manage a demanding outdoor role

good at talking to people

confident working with volunteers

able to keep to time and meet deadlines

Tools

tractors

chainsaws

rotary and cylinder mowers

Job description

Overview

In line with our redeployment policy, we’ll prioritise applications from employees who are under formal notice of redundancy.

As a Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands-on member of the garden team, involved in every aspect of gardening on the Wimpole Estate. Responsible for day-to-day maintenance, and the highest standards of horticulture, you’ll also play a vital role in improving the experience of visitors to the garden and wider estate.

You may be asked to work occasional weekends, bank holidays and evenings.

What it’s like to work here

This impressive mansion and home farm is the only National Trust property that manages all its visitor attractions and activities in-house. Visitor numbers have increased rapidly in recent years and Wimpole is regarded as one of our most successful properties in terms of growth and innovation. As expected for such a popular location, work at Wimpole is fast-paced, but as part of the team you’ll enjoy flexible working conditions.

You'll be helping to keep the Pleasure Grounds and other garden areas in tiptop condition every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as weeding, pruning and mulching, and using machinery such as chainsaws, hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors.

Other duties might include volunteer management, rejuvenation of the Pleasure Grounds, propagation, cutting flowers for the house, plant display care, preparing plants for sale, tree safety work and orchard care. You may be involved in recycling and managing waste, along with the rest of the garden team.

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

Criteria for all other applicants:

• 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)
• 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.

National Trust place

Wimpole Hall, Arrington, Cambridge, SG8 0BW

Documents

Gardener - Career Level B.pdf

Requirements

Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 22nd February 2026

To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page.

If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at [e-mail]

If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at [e-mail] and we\'ll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.

Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.