Assistant Gardener

Summary

The contract is part time and permanent, and the hourly rate is £13.25. There are 1560.00 hours available over the course of a year. The employer, National Trust, is a charity. You will be based at Canons Ashby, which is an historic building or structure where the fabric and story of the building is the focus. It is located in Northamptonshire.

Closing date 17-05-2026

Job Description

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.

This role is based on annualised hours, where the amount of hours you work each month may vary, however your salary will be paid in 12 equal instalments over the year. You'll work 1560 hours per year. You'll work 4 days per week and your non-working day can be discussed at interview stage. You’ll be required to work a few weekends a year to support with the wider duty management rota for the property.

Interview date: Thursday 28th May 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.

Reporting to the Head Gardener, you'll be working alongside the Gardener and team of enthusiastic volunteers.

You’ll also work alongside and occasionally supervise garden volunteers and support and help them to make the most of their time here. You’ll be expected to interact with the public on a daily basis, answering the many questions, or help out with gardening workshops, tours and helping set up events when needed.

Training will be provided to support you in your role.

Daily responsibilities may include assisting with the planting and maintaining of shrub and borders, mulching, hedge cutting and lawn mowing. You’ll work alongside the Head Gardener, Gardener 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.

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 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.

Disclaimer
Every effort has made to reproduce the original job advert faithfully, but errors may occur. At any time job vacancies may be withdrawn or closed prior to the original date advertised. For the definitive description, requirements, and for application instructions please see the original advert; you will be redirected to another website.