Jobs

JOB PURPOSE
To assist in the practical maintenance of Branklyn Garden as an internationally-recognised garden of outstanding horticultural importance, contributing to its conservation, development and visitor engagement. This role will also be involved in supporting the plant sales operation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Assisting with the practical maintenance of the garden. This includes weed and pest management, watering, pruning, planting, lawn care and general estate maintenance tasks.
• Provide support with the ordering, stocking and maintenance of the busy plant sales area.
• Answer visitor queries on plant and garden related topics.
• Regularly work with volunteers to ensure they deliver required outputs at the appropriate standard and that they gain satisfaction from volunteering.
• Assist with propagation and the maintenance of plant records, as required, as part of the conservation and development of the garden.
• Ensure compliance with the Trust’s Health & Safety Policy at the property, being mindful at all times of the health and safety of self, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
• Occasionally duties will include welcoming / processing visitor entries and selling plants and gifts from the shop.
• In the absence of the Head Gardener & Propagator / Gardener assume general responsibility for the security of the garden and supervision of garden volunteers.
• Weekend duties are required on a 1 in 4 rota basis with other garden staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Essential
 A recognised qualification in horticulture (NVQ Level 2 or similar) and / or an appropriate range of horticultural experience.
 Practical experience in general amenity gardening, ideally in a garden open to the public.
 Demonstratable plant knowledge and identification skills.
 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; confident and competent in interacting and dealing with a wide range of people and able to represent the Trust.
 Practical knowledge of Health and Safety processes and procedures and the ability to work effectively within these processes.
 Competent IT skills, sufficient for placing orders and maintaining plant records.
 Good organisational and time-management skills – including the ability to prioritise work where necessary and the ability to work using own initiative.
 Knowledge and experience of basic tool and machinery use and maintenance.

Desirable
 Experience of working in a plant retail environment.
 Demonstratable knowledge of a broad range of plants: alpines, woodland, and woody plants.
 Able to work well within a small team and on your own without supervision.
 Current first aid qualification.
 Current, clean driving licence valid for driving in the UK.

Application Deadline: Friday 03/04/2026