Gardener in Melrose

Organisation: The National Trust for Scotland

Location: Harmony Garden, Saint Mary's Road, Melrose, TD6 9LJ

KEY PURPOSE

To ensure that the garden, grounds and related policies of gardens are managed and maintained as nationally recognised gardens of outstanding historical and horticultural importance; contributing to the properties’ overall conservation and development, and its enjoyment by visitors and supporters. The role of ‘Gardener’ as a key member of the team will be heavily involved in the implementation of development plans for the gardens and wider designed landscape.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Undertaking practical maintenance of the garden – managing trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, bulbs, turf care, pest/disease/weed control, staking, plant nutrition, composting and soil improvement to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the safety and enjoyment of visitors.
• Contributing to the management, conservation and development of the garden by plant propagation, cultivation and seed production, and by maintaining appropriate plant records and labelling.
• Assisting with education/interpretation activities such as introductory talks and guided walks.
• Fostering positive relationships with local communities and organisations and promoting the work of the Trust.
• On occasion supervising and working with volunteers and/or staff members to ensure they deliver required outputs at the appropriate standard and gain benefit/satisfaction from their activities.
• Undertaking other reasonable duties as may be required to ensure the smooth running of the property as required by the Operations Manager.
• On occasion contributing to the review and development of annual operating plans and operational workplans for the gardens.
• Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety and environment policies and procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Qualifications

• Essential – No formal educational qualifications required, but HNC or RHS Level 1 or equivalent would be desirable.
• Desirable – PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates. Current driving licence valid for driving in the UK.

Skills, Experience & Knowledge

• Essential
• Practical experience in general amenity gardening ideally in a garden open to the public.
• Demonstrable skills in plant husbandry, particularly fruit trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, turf culture and pruning.
• Sound demonstrable plant knowledge and identification skills.
• Sound knowledge of basic tool and machinery use and maintenance.
• Good practical knowledge of Health and Safety processes and procedures and the ability to work effectively within these processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; confident in interacting and dealing with a wide range of people; and able to represent the Trust.
• Good organisational and time‑management skills – including the ability to prioritise work where necessary and the ability to work using own initiative, in the absence of direct line management.
• Eye for detail and finish, quality standard and best practice.
• An understanding and commitment to the aims and objectives of the National Trust for Scotland.
• Living the values of the National Trust for Scotland and encouraging colleagues to do the same.
• The ability and willingness to understand others’ perspectives and to consider the impact of your actions on them and to adapt your actions as necessary.
• The ability and willingness to learn and try new things, to be flexible and step outside of your comfort zone.
• An open and honest way of communicating, ready to ask others for their ideas and to be open to hear and consider different points of view.
• A pro‑active approach to taking initiative and to driving forward ideas and projects designed to improve daily operations and deliver an exceptional visitor experience.
• Desirable
• Experience of working in a mixed team that includes short-term/seasonal staff and/or volunteers.
• Competent IT skills sufficient for maintaining plant records, use of the internet/intranet, assisting volunteers, online learning etc.
• An appreciation of Scottish garden history in a general context.
• Experience of tree inspections and advanced CS units.
• Current First Aid certification (or willingness to train and use).

The current duties of this job do not require a criminal records (Disclosure Scotland) check to be carried out.