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- Tasks: Maintain and develop stunning gardens at the historic Osborne House.
- Company: Join English Heritage, a charity caring for England's historic sites.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, training opportunities, and free access to all English Heritage sites.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on wellbeing and career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a team preserving history while enjoying beautiful gardens.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 2 in amenity horticulture and experience in high-quality gardening.
The predicted salary is between 23896 - 23896 £ per year.
Location: Osborne House, York Avenue, East Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO32 6JY
Salary: £23,896 pro rata / 22.5 hours per week / permanent
Would you like to work for the charity that cares for hundreds of historic sites in every corner of England? With 14 main garden sites and dedicated garden teams, we are looking for a Gardener to join our team at Osborne. This is a part-time role working 22.5 hours per week. Osborne is the former home of Queen Victoria. This seaside estate, brimming with historic character and a wealth of exciting gardening opportunities, offers a remarkable setting in which to take the next step in your career. Osborne is the leading English Heritage property on the Isle of Wight and attracts over 250,000 visitors each year.
You'll be playing a vital role in maintaining and developing the gardens to ensure they reflect the grandeur that would have been familiar to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. You will be involved in all areas of the garden, from the walled garden and glasshouses to the magnificent bedding displays, pleasure grounds and parkland. You'll work closely with our team of gardeners and garden volunteers to ensure the gardens and landscape are shown off to the highest standards of presentation.
Benefits include:
- Comprehensive training and CPD
- The opportunity to progress your career
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Flexible hours
- Opportunities to go to some of our great live music and history events
- Free access to all English Heritage sites for you and up to six friends and family members
- 25% discount in our shops and cafes
- Corporate subscription/memberships to gardening organisations
- Enhanced maternity/paternity/shared parental leave
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays pro rata, rising to 28 days after 3 years
- Options to buy additional leave
- Matched pension contributions up to 10%
As a Gardener, you'll contribute to bringing to life the stories that our gardens tell, helping visitors of all ages make new discoveries. We're looking for someone with an eye for detail; high-quality garden experience; great plant knowledge and horticultural skills; and a great team player. You'll know how to ensure visitors enjoy their day out - from sharing your gardening knowledge to ensuring their health and safety. The ability to use and demonstrate all necessary horticultural craft skills, machinery use and maintenance to the highest standards are also a must for this busy and dynamic role.
You will be qualified to at least NVQ level 2 in amenity horticulture and have previous experience of working in a high-quality horticultural establishment. You will work to high standards and be effective and efficient when working on your own or as part of the wider team.
Everybody's welcome at English Heritage. Forget the stereotypes. It takes thousands of people from every background to care for England's heritage and open it up for everybody to enjoy. We're looking for every type of person with every kind of skill and experience, and we're committed to making sure that English Heritage is an equitable, diverse and inclusive place to work.
We take wellbeing seriously. We are committed to ensuring everyone feels safe at work and can carry out their role. To support this, we have a network of Mental Health First aiders, regular information and awareness events, unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Programme and work with our people to implement reasonable adjustments.
If you would like to talk to us e.g. about workplace adjustments or working patterns, please contact Toby Beasley, Head Gardener, on toby.beasley@english-heritage.org.uk. No agencies please.
Closing date 10/05/2026 23:59:59
Gardener - Osborne House in East Cowes employer: Osborne House
Contact Detail:
Osborne House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener - Osborne House in East Cowes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the gardeners at Osborne House. Follow them on social media or check out their work online. This way, you can drop some names and show you're genuinely interested in being part of their crew.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your gardening projects or any relevant certifications. It’s a great way to visually demonstrate your experience and passion for horticulture, which is exactly what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions that matter! During your interview, don’t just wait for them to ask you questions. Show your enthusiasm by asking about their gardening techniques, the types of plants they use, or how they engage with visitors. It’ll make you stand out as someone who’s really keen to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our official channels. It helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the English Heritage family!
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener - Osborne House in East Cowes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Gardening: When writing your application, let your love for gardening shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your skills and knowledge in horticulture, especially those that relate to maintaining historic gardens.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Gardener role at Osborne House. Highlight relevant qualifications, like your NVQ level 2 in amenity horticulture, and any previous experience in high-quality horticultural settings.
Be a Team Player: We’re looking for someone who can work well with our team of gardeners and volunteers. In your application, mention any teamwork experiences and how you’ve contributed to group projects in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Osborne House.
How to prepare for a job interview at Osborne House
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants you’ve worked with and how they thrive in different conditions. This will show your passion for horticulture and your ability to contribute to the gardens at Osborne.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your previous gardening roles that highlight your skills and achievements. Whether it’s a successful project or a challenge you overcame, having concrete examples will demonstrate your capability and commitment to high-quality gardening.
✨Team Player Attitude
Since you'll be working closely with other gardeners and volunteers, emphasise your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you collaborated effectively, as this will show you can fit into their dynamic team and contribute positively to the garden's upkeep.
✨Engage with Visitors
Think about how you can enhance visitors' experiences in the gardens. Prepare to discuss ways you would share your gardening knowledge with guests and ensure their safety while enjoying the grounds. This shows you understand the role's importance beyond just gardening.