Gardener

About the Role

Summary

As a Gardener for the National Trust, you’ll be a hands-on member of the garden team, involved in every aspect of gardening at Downhill Demesne. 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. 

Salary:  £14.16 per hour

Contract: 10 months Fixed term contract. This is a fixed term contract due to end when the postholder returns to the role.  At this point we cannot confirm exactly how long this contract will last, but it is unlikely to be more than 10 months.

Hours/ working pattern: Part-time, 30 hours per week. You may be asked to work occasional weekends, bank holidays and evenings.  

Interview:  Week commencing 16th November 2026

Start date: 4th January 2027

What it's like to work here

Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne is a small coastal site just outside Castlerock. The gardens include the 18th Century walled garden built by Earl Bishop Frederick Hervey, Bishop's Gate garden that was remodelled by the Bruce family at the turn of the 20th Century, as well as the garden at Hezlett House.

You will be working in a small team of staff and volunteers at Downhill Demesne, alongside the wider NI North Coast property group.

What you'll be doing

You'll be helping to keep the gardens in tiptop condition every day. This might involve daily checks to make sure all areas are safe for people visiting, routine tasks such as weeding, pruning and mulching, and using machinery such as hedge cutters, leaf blowers, lawnmowers and tractors.  

Other duties might include propagation, garden design and restoration. You may be involved in recycling and managing waste, along with the rest of the garden team. 

You will also supervise an enthusiastic team of dedicated volunteers, and working with the events team to present the gardens to the public in new and innovative ways.

Who we're looking for

We'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 package

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

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