Seasonal Garden Assistant 12.25 per hour

National Trust Group; Whitley Bay; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A renowned conservation organization is seeking a Seasonal Garden Assistant to maintain the grounds of Seaton Delaval Hall. You will work part-time, focusing on the upkeep of the gardens, including tasks such as mulching, pruning, and engaging with visitors. The position runs from March to October for 15 hours a week on Mondays and Tuesdays. Ideal candidates should be organized, flexible, and enthusiastic about providing excellent service. Training for equipment will be provided.

Benefits

10% pension scheme

Free entry to National Trust places

Season ticket loan

EV car lease scheme

Discounts at work

Up to 32 days holiday allowance

Qualifications

• Comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way.
• Well organized approach.
• Willing to learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain garden presentation standards.
• Perform gardening tasks like pruning and weeding.
• Interact with visitors and provide information.

Skills

Flexible working

Well organized

Willingness to learn

Team player

Job description

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

We’re looking for a Seasonal Garden Assistant from March to October to work as part of a team, making sure that the high presentation standards of the gardens and grounds at Seaton Delaval Hall are maintained.

Hours: 15 hours a week. Shifts will be Mondays and Tuesdays only, working 8am-4pm from March to October.

Duration: Fixed Term Contract for 8 months

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

This Northumbrian Country House has recently undergone a major conservation project including a contemporary reimagining of the 1781 landscape, including the reintroduction of historic path network. The close-knit team has a great relationship with the local community and has made a real impact through a creative programme of events and family-friendly activities.

You'll report to the Head Gardener and work alongside two dedicated and knowledgeable gardeners to maintain its listed formal garden and fun modern woodland garden.

You'll be involved primarily in maintaining the extensive lawn areas within the grounds and in various practical gardening tasks to develop, enhance and look after the gardens. Duties may include helping with hard and soft landscaping and general gardening, such as mulching, pruning, leaf clearing and weeding.

The role is often 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 strimmers, ride-on and pedestrian mowers is essential, but training will be provided.

A core part of your role will be to talk to visitors, welcoming them to ask questions and happy to explain about your work and the wider cause of the National Trust. You may also support gardening workshops and tours and help to set up events when needed.

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• comfortable working in a flexible and adaptable way
• well organised approach
• willing to learn new skills
• focused on giving great service to everyone you meet
• a team player, but also happy to work on your own initiative.

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

Seaton Delaval Hall, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, NE26 4QR

Documents

Seasonal Garden Assistant - Career Level A1.pdf

Requirements

Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 18 January 2026

*Internal Applicants only*

Our colleagues work for the National Trust in many locations and sometimes don't have easy access to internal vacancy listings. Using the internet ensures we can reach as many of our colleagues as possible. We appreciate that this can be frustrating for external talent. Do note that some roles are released externally after an initial period of time.

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.