Summary
We're looking for an enthusiastic and experienced horticulturist to join our friendly team at Polesden Lacey as Garden Supervisor. This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in the care, maintenance and development of one of the National Trust's most significant gardens. Combining hands-on horticulture with leadership, planning and project work, you'll help shape the future of the garden while supporting and developing a talented team of staff, volunteers and apprentices. If you're passionate about people, plants and delivering high standards, we'd love to hear from you.
What it's like to work here
At Polesden Lacey, you'll be part of a welcoming, supportive and highly committed team that takes pride in caring for a special place loved by visitors, members and the local community. Our garden is incredibly varied, ranging from formal ornamental displays and productive growing areas to wider landscapes and seasonal projects, meaning no two days are ever quite the same.
We believe great gardens are created by great teams. You'll join colleagues who are passionate about horticulture, willing to share knowledge and always ready to support one another. We celebrate successes together, tackle challenges collaboratively and encourage everyone to contribute ideas that help us continue improving and developing the garden. Whether you're leading a project, mentoring a volunteer or working alongside the team on a busy summer day, you'll find a friendly environment where people genuinely enjoy working together.
What you'll be doing
As Garden Supervisor, you'll play a key role in leading the day-to-day delivery of horticultural operations across the garden. Working closely with the Garden & Outdoors Manager, you'll help plan and coordinate seasonal work programmes, ensuring the garden is maintained and developed to the highest possible standards.
You'll supervise, support and motivate gardeners, apprentices and volunteers, helping them develop their confidence, skills and knowledge. Alongside practical horticultural work, you'll take responsibility for organising workloads, managing resources, supporting compliance and health and safety, and helping deliver projects that enhance the garden for both visitors and nature.
We're particularly interested in candidates who can bring expertise in the operation and maintenance of horticultural machinery, helping strengthen capability and resilience within our team. This is a role where you'll have genuine influence and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on one of the National Trust's flagship gardens.
You can view the full role profile in the attached document. You don't need to meet every requirement listed; the profile is intended to provide a complete picture of the role and its potential scope. Who we're looking for You'll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles, sectors or career paths. Please use your application to demonstrate how you meet the criteria below:
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.