Assistant Head Gardener

Assistant Head Gardener - Summary

We're looking for an Assistant Head Gardener to join the team at Glendurgan, part of the Heart of Cornwall portfolio which includes Bosloe, Trelissick and Trerice. This role supports the National Trust in developing its long term plan for Glendurgan gardens in line with the new strategy alongside the Head Gardener and the wider team.

Salary: £32,966 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours/ working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.

Interview date: 11th June 2026

Closing date: 31st May 2026

What it's like to work here

The garden at Glendurgan, created by Alfred and Sarah Fox, is renowned for its soft, playful approach and uniqueness. It is an intimate valley garden with woodland, orchards, meadows and surrounding farmland, often compared to a tropical New Zealand atmosphere. It welcomes over 90,000 visitors each year and offers a balance of beauty, productivity and heritage.

As part of the wider Heart of Cornwall property group, the role is supported across the portfolio, enabling collaborative work and proactive teamwork to deliver a thoughtful, horticulturally sound and ecological approach. Our conservation principles guide all decisions.

What you'll be doing

As a member of the Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Head Gardener, wider team and national specialists to enhance the heritage, nature and people benefits of Glendurgan. Your first three months will focus on reviewing and prioritising garden areas and plant collections, directing resources where most needed while championing conservation principles, sustainable practices and climate resilience, especially in woodland areas.

You will lead the garden team alongside the Head Gardener, supporting a Senior Gardener and three staff, managing work programmes and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety standards. You will identify skills needs, support development and provide coaching, contribute to wider strategic planning and advocating for the gardens.

Working with the wider Property Leadership Team, you will help deliver a cohesive and inspiring visitor experience, building strong relationships across the site and supporting your team to do the same.

Who we're looking for

• Experience of working collaboratively with specialist teams to deliver conservation principles, environmental horticulture practices and the management of living collections.
• Experience of contributing to historic and public landscape management reviews and planning within a team setting.
• Strong communication, a positive way of thinking and team leadership skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• A passion for gardens and gardening, with a commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
• An understanding of the changing needs, aesthetics and management challenges of 21st century gardens including climate change.
• Enthusiasm for developing a holistic approach to garden spaces going forward.
• Ability to build effective and positive relationships with internal colleagues, external partners and visitors.
• Commitment to inclusive engagement, helping people and communities connect with stories, gardens and landscape.

The package

• 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 related 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.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment process to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.

National Trust place

Glendurgan Garden, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, TR11 5JZ