Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a passionate team caring for the stunning gardens at Raby Castle.
- Company: Raby Estates, a historic and beautiful venue with rich heritage.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, pension scheme, discounts, and free access to attractions.
- Why this job: Work in a unique environment and make a real impact on visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in public gardens, strong plant knowledge, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 39200 £ per year.
Reports to: Gardens and Landscape Manager
Hours: 37.5 hours
Location: Raby Castle
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Job Ref: VA221-2026
Overview of Raby Estates
Raby Castle near Staindrop has been the home of the Vane family for generations and is open to visitors. Lord and Lady Barnard have developed the Castle and grounds extensively, to become one of the foremost visitor attractions in the country. The wider Raby Estate comprises substantial landholdings and trading operations including in-house farms, let farms and residential property, along with sporting enterprises across Estates in Co Durham and Shropshire.
Job details
This is a rare opportunity for a talented individual to join the team caring for the gardens at Raby Castle, recently reimagined by renowned garden designers Luciano Giubbilei and Alistair Baldwin. To ensure the garden is enjoyed at its very best throughout the year, we are seeking to recruit an experienced gardener to help the team as they look to not only maintain the garden to the highest standard but further enhance its appeal to the huge numbers of visitors it attracts.
What you’ll be doing
- Supported by the Assistant Head Gardeners, you will join a small team dedicated to the care and development of the five acre Walled Garden and the wider landscape.
- You will be responsible for all aspects of horticulture including maintenance of the new planting schemes, care of the existing historic trees and climbers and propagation of new stock for our plant sales area.
- You will be dynamic, and willing to share your knowledge to develop our team, as well as being open to learning new skills.
- You will work alongside volunteers as we seek to grow our team, to fulfil the potential of this wonderful space.
- You will contribute to vegetable and flower production for use across the estate.
- You will help maintain our beautiful new greenhouse and ensure it is always presented to the highest standard.
- You will assist your colleagues in other areas of the garden at times – the entire site extends to approximately 24 acres.
- You will have an eye for detail and awareness of sustainable practice in the garden.
- You will assist in the delivery of guided tours, and bespoke events to showcase the garden to a wide audience.
- You will support the wider Leisure and Tourism team, particularly with our busy events programme.
What we need to see
We are looking for someone who has previous experience in a significant role within a garden open to the public. Confidence in hosting guided tours is required. You should have appropriate horticultural experience, great plant knowledge and an awareness of contemporary styles as well as historic. You will have a flexible approach to duties, work well within a team and independently, be organised and an effective communicator. We are looking for someone who can show honesty, integrity, enthusiasm and capacity for hard work and attention to detail with a cheerful approach and ‘can do’ problem solving attitude. You must have the confidence and skills to cover for the Assistant Head gardener in his/her absence.
What we have to Offer
- 33 days holiday, including statutory holidays
- Group Pension Scheme with a 7.7% employer contribution with the option to salary sacrifice
- Group Life Insurance
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme
- Free on-site car parking
- Discounts at Raby retail and food outlets
- Discounts for stays at Raby’s High Force Hotel
- Complimentary access to Raby Castle and High Force leisure attractions
- A behind-the-scenes tour of Raby Castle
- Invitations to Raby Estate social events throughout the year
- A chance to work in one of the most unique and beautiful venues in the region.
- A role that is dynamic, engaging, and never predictable—no two days will be the same!
- A supportive and enthusiastic team that makes every workday enjoyable.
How to apply
If you feel you have the necessary skills, experience, and personality to undertake this role, please apply below.
Senior Gardener at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens in Staindrop employer: Raby Estates
Contact Detail:
Raby Estates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Gardener at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens in Staindrop
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team at Raby Castle! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the current gardening team and their projects. This will help you connect with them during your chat and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their crew.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your plant knowledge! Be ready to discuss your favourite plants and any unique horticultural techniques you've used. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can contribute to the stunning gardens at Raby Castle.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your tour guide skills! Since you'll be hosting guided tours, it’s a good idea to prepare a mini-presentation about a specific area of the garden. This will not only boost your confidence but also impress the hiring team with your enthusiasm for sharing knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through our platform, as it helps us keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the Raby Castle family. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gardener at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens in Staindrop
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 enthusiasm for horticulture, especially in public gardens.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight relevant experience, especially in maintaining gardens open to the public, and don’t forget to mention any experience with guided tours!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality, so let it come through while keeping it professional!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Raby Estates
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your horticultural knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, their care, and how they fit into both contemporary and historic garden styles. This will show your expertise and passion for gardening.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your previous roles where you've successfully managed gardens open to the public. Highlight any experience with guided tours or events, as this is crucial for the role at Raby Castle.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Raby Castle values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with others in past positions. Share instances where you’ve mentored colleagues or worked alongside volunteers to enhance a garden's appeal.
✨Emphasise Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've faced challenges in gardening and how you overcame them. A 'can do' attitude is essential, so convey your enthusiasm for tackling issues head-on and finding creative solutions.