Jobs

JOB PURPOSE

To assist in the maintenance of Inverewe Garden as an internationally recognised garden of outstanding horticultural importance, contributing to its conservation and development, and to its enjoyment by visitors and supporters under the supervision of the Garden Team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Assisting the Gardener Team with general horticultural duties to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by, visitors. Activities may include:

a. Undertaking practical maintenance of the garden (e.g., managing shrubs and herbaceous borders)
b. Grass-cutting, strimming, hedge-cutting and raking/collection.
c. Cutting of lawn edges
d. Hand-weeding of beds and borders
e. Planting out tender perennial
f. Application of mulches and compost

2. Assisting with general property maintenance duties and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by, visitors. Activities may include:

a. Refuse disposal.
b. Raking gravel paths

3. Assisting as required with the general enjoyment of the gardens and estate by:

a. Responding to general visitor enquiries
b. Assisting at events held within the garden or on the estate.

4. Assisting with interpretation activities such as answering basic horticultural enquiries from visitors and providing clear and accurate plant labeling.

5. Working with the full-time staff to foster positive relationships with local communities, visitors and promoting the work of the Trust, and actively seeking opportunities to increase Trust membership.

6. Working with volunteers to ensure they deliver required outputs at the appropriate standard and gain benefits from their volunteering.

7. Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety and environment policies and procedures to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers and visitors. This includes recognition of the Trust’s environmental policy with respect to sustainable gardening policies.

8. Undertaking such other reasonable duties as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth running of the property as required by the Head Gardener.

This role does not require you to undertake a criminal record.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications
 No formal educational qualifications required – but previous gardening or grounds-keeping experience is highly desirable.
 Driving License, valid for driving within the UK

Experience

Essential
 Should be experienced with a wide range of hand tools and basic machinery / equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, strimmer) or willing to be trained.
 Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, confident in interacting and dealing with a wide range of people, and able to represent the Trust.
 Capable of working effectively within a team environment, but equally able to work unsupervised.
 Good organisational and time management skills – including the ability to prioritise work where necessary.
 Must have a genuine understanding of, and belief in, the work of the National Trust for Scotland
 Solid interest in gardening with at least basic gardening skills and enthusiasm and practical experience.
 Strong attention to detail
 Sound practical knowledge of Health and Safety processes and procedures and the ability to work effectively within these processes.
Desirable
 A genuine love for gardening and garden maintenance is highly desirable.
 Experience of working in a garden open to the public
 Competent IT skills sufficient for use of the internet and for completing intranet training modules.
 First Aid qualification

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

People Management
 Will work closely with the Head Gardener/Garden Team and other property staff.
 Will regularly work with a team of garden volunteers.
 Will have daily interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities.

Finance Management
 Not a budget-holder but will be expected to take responsibility for effective management of Trust resources in the allocated areas (e.g., compost, materials etc)

Tools / equipment / systems
 Will be a frequent user of powered tools such as mowers, strimmers, hedge-cutters, chippers, and shredders.
 Will be a frequent user of hand tools such as spades, forks, trowels, rakes, hoes, shears, and secateurs.

Application Deadline: Sunday 29/06/2025