Gardener

Strategically perched on the perfect vantage point within Castle Ward Bay and overlooking Strangford Lough, Castle Ward’s gardens are one of the best examples of 18 th Century gardens in Northern Ireland. This stunning demesne boasts a Victorian sunken garden, a rock garden, a large walled garden and the and the unique Temple Water, a man-made canal which is the largest ornamental garden feature to survive in Ireland from the early 18 th Century.

Salary: £13.74 per hour.

Contract: Fixed Term Contract until 30-Dec-2025

Hours/ Working patterns: Part-time, 30 hours per week. This role will involve working some weekends, bank holidays and evenings.

Interview date: 1st September 2025

What it's like to work here:As a Gardener for the National Trust in South Down, you’ll be a hands-on member of the garden team, involved in every aspect of gardening at Castle Ward. 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.

What you'll be doing:Helping to deliver on our garden management plan you’ll be an essential member of the garden team reporting directly to the Countryside Manager. You’ll play a key role leading and supporting leading the volunteer team. Positive visitor engagement and interaction will be an important part of this role.

You’ll play a key role in delivering our garden management plans, maintain and enhance high presentation for the gardens. You will play a key role in our events and programming plan whilst working with our team to develop our interpretation for the gardens and parkland

Who we're looking forWe'd love to hear from you if you’re:

• 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 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)

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• EV car lease scheme

• 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

#NIJOBS