Trainee Gardener in Harrogate

We're searching for someone who enjoys the pace and focus of working in a busy, hands-on environment where no two days are the same. Do you stay calm and focused when there's plenty to get done? Do you bring a positive attitude to the team? Do you enjoy working outdoors and take pride in creating and maintaining beautiful spaces? Our team is driven by care, attention to detail, and people who genuinely support one another. In return, you'll gain valuable experience and develop practical skills. If that sounds like the kind of environment you'd thrive in, we'd love to meet you.

We're looking for a Trainee Gardener who is eager to learn, hardworking, and brings enthusiasm and positivity to the role. You'll support the gardening team in maintaining our grounds to a high standard, assisting with planting, pruning, and general upkeep. With a variety of tasks throughout the seasons, your willingness to learn, attention to detail, and ability to stay organised will help ensure our gardens look their best all year round.

Start: September 2026

Hours: 2 days a week

Requirements: Must be a member of the WRAGS training scheme

Job Summary: The Rudding Park team's core purpose is to create timeless memories and instinctive care in exceptional spaces. To assist in caring for key areas of the gardens and grounds either around the hotel or holiday park, to ensure high standards are met at all times and to provide a safe working environment for other team members, guests and the general public. To take part in on-the-job horticulture training and any other training required to achieve better horticultural skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist where required with work around the hotel and holiday park gardens and grounds.
• Ensure a safe working environment for other team members, guests and the general public.
• Assist with maintenance and care of hand tools.
• Assist with maintenance and care of machinery used by the gardens team.
• Take part in training with tools and machines to ensure safe working at all times.
• Notify the senior gardener or head gardener immediately of any maintenance issues.
• Assist with irrigation as required.
• Assist with propagation requirements as required.
• Assist with pruning plants at the correct time of year.
• Assist with weeding and tidying beds and borders to a high standard.
• Once suitably trained, take tours around the Kitchen Garden and Gardens when required.
• Ensure a high level of guest service for guests by self and team members.
• Promote self-development horticulturally to ensure a high quality of work in the gardens.
• Attend training as required at college and any courses organised at Rudding Park.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties that may be required by the head gardener and directors.

General Responsibilities:

• Be responsible for Health and Safety as an individual and also to work colleagues, customers and the business, reporting concerns through the Health and Safety processes and procedures.
• Ensure continuous professional development of self, including attending required training courses and seeking means of developing within the business.
• Promote continuous improvement in the level of quality and customer care provided by the business and make proposals/suggestions where applicable.
• Respect colleagues and the working environment at all times.
• Ensure high standard of dress and self-presentation within the working environment.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate within the position for which you are qualified.

Benefits:

• Enhanced pay – 50p per hour for evening work after 7pm (Sunday-Thursday), £1 per hour for weekend day work until 7pm (Saturdays and Sundays), £1.50 per hour for evenings from 7pm (Friday and Saturdays).
• Service Charge (Tronc) earned up to an additional £5,000 per year.
• Company sick pay for up to 4 weeks.
• A range of discounts including 50% off spa days and dining, not to mention preferential room rates for employees and family (subject to availability).
• Annual party, family fun days, and award dinners – we love to celebrate!
• Up to 30 days annual leave, increasing with length of service.
• Complimentary overnight stay for you and a guest (including dinner, bed and breakfast with spa) when you complete a three-month probation.
• FREE food and drink; The Green Room is our team's dedicated space to chill out, when not 'on stage' looking after our guests.
• Investment in personal growth through Apprenticeship, Training Courses and Development Programmes, dedicated Learning and Development Manager.
• Wage Stream allows you to pay yourself when you need it!
• Hospitality Rewards include FREE Employee Assistance Programme from Day 1.
• Local discounts on gym memberships.
• Complimentary counselling sessions to support mental health.
• Wellbeing App with a range of support such as podcasts, fitness videos, recipes.

About Rudding Park: A privately-owned luxury hotel, Rudding Park has 90 bedrooms and suites, a destination spa, three restaurants and a kitchen garden, private cinema, two golf courses and meetings and events venue. Set in 300 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, Rudding Park is one of the most beautiful Harrogate hotels. Rudding Park features the first Roof Top Spa in the UK and offers an extensive range hydrotherapy and thermal experiences. We offer an extensive range of treatments and guests can discover the Escape Zone – a peaceful and serene space to relax following a treatment. The Spa also offers an indoor swimming pool using natural waters from the grounds of Rudding Park, a Juniper Log Sauna, Rasul for traditional Moorish mud treatments, Retail Therapy, Hair Studio, Nail and Beauty Studio.