Organisation: The National Trust for Scotland
Location: Hill of Tarvit Mansion & Gardens, by Cupar, KY15 5PB
JOB PURPOSE
Under direction of Head Gardener working primarily at Hill of Tarvit helping to enhance the visitor enjoyment of the environment around the mansion house. There will be occasional joining up with the garden team at Kellie Castle, and Balmerino Abbey to help undertake ongoing work there.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Assisting with horticultural duties to deliver the optimum aesthetic standards expected with the safety and enjoyment of all who use the site paramount. Activities include:
- Grass cutting, strimming, hedge‑cutting and the raking up or collections afterwards.
- Cutting of lawn edges.
- Hand weeding of borders.
- Pruning wall plants, those in borders and elsewhere.
- Planting out (under direction of Head Gardener.)
- Application of mulches.
Assisting with general property maintenance. Activities include:
- Litter picking.
- Maintaining paths
- Use of bonfire to dispose of unhealthy plant material.
Assisting as required with the general enjoyment of the walled garden and surrounding woodland by:
- Responding to general visitor enquiries.
- Answering basic horticultural enquiries from visitors.
- Assisting at events held across the Fife properties
- Vegetable production
Ensuring compliance with The Trust’s Health, Safety and Environmental policies and procedures to ensure safety of staff, volunteers and visitors and where practicable, sustainable horticulture.
Working with volunteers to ensure they deliver required outcomes to the appropriate standard, and ensure they benefit from their volunteering.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Qualifications
Essential
- Full Driving Licence, valid for driving within the UK.
- No formal educational qualifications required.
Desirable
- PA1 & PA6 for working with pesticides.
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in general amenity horticulture or groundskeeping.
- Experienced user of a wide range of hand tools and basic machinery.
- Confidence and competence to politely engage with visitors, staff and contractors, to represent the National Trust for Scotland when speaking with visitors.
- Some practical knowledge of Health and Safety processes and the ability to work effectively within them.
- Good personal organisational and time management skills- including the ability to prioritise work where necessary.
- Capable and comfortable with unsupervised lone working and equally able to work as part of a team.
Desirable
- A genuine love for gardening and garden maintenance.
- Experience of working in a garden open to the public.
- Competence and confidence in use of ride on mowers.
DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB
People Management
No line managerial responsibilities however will on occasion, supervise volunteers under instructions from Head Gardener. Will work closely with neighbouring property colleagues, will have occasional contact with advisory colleagues and specialist contractors. Will have regular interactions with visitors with a wide range of ages and abilities. This will include families and professionals who walk dogs.
Finance Management
Not a budget holder.
Tools / equipment
Frequent use of ride on grass cutting machinery expected, infrequent use of strimmer or similar powered tools. Frequent use of hand tools such as forks, rakes, loppers and secateurs.
Contact Details:
ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Gardener in Cupar
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Assistant Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
