We’re looking for a Seasonal Garden Assistant to work as part of a team, making sure that the garden and grounds at Kingston Lacy are looked after to a high standard. Because Kingston Lacy is in a rural area, please think about how you’d be able to get here for work before you apply for this job.

Salary: £12.75 per hour
Working Pattern: You will work 2 days per week, ideally on a Thursday and Friday, with some weekend work required.
Contract Duration: Fixed term until 30th October 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.

The outstanding art collection is one of the main attractions to this beautiful Italian-inspired mansion. As one of the National Trust’s ‘treasure houses’, the 45 strong team have exciting times ahead as they embark on major conservation projects to preserve this 8,500 estate and its rare collection of artefacts. A Japanese garden and tearoom and community growing spaces are also among the key attractions at Kingston Lacy.

For more information about our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

You'll be involved in various practical gardening tasks to develop, enhance and look after the garden. Duties may include helping with hard and soft landscaping and general garden maintenance, such as mulching, pruning, leaf clearing and weeding. You’ll support the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs and plants.

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.

You can view the full role profile for this role in the document attached. You don't need to have all 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. 

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 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

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.