Garden Supervisor - Formal and Woodland

Summary

At Knightshayes, the Formal and Woodland Gardens tell the story of over 150 years of horticultural ambition, creativity and plant collecting. From the elegant terraces and garden compartments designed by Edward Kemp in the Victorian era to the enchanting woodland garden developed by Sir John and Lady Heathcoat-Amory after the Second World War, these gardens are among the most distinctive and historically important in the South West.

Are you an experienced horticulturist looking for an opportunity to lead, develop people and help a special garden thrive? If you're passionate about plants, conservation and creating welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy, we'd love to hear from you.

What It's Like To Work Here

You'll be part of a collaborative property team, working alongside colleagues from across the organisation and external partners. The role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to conservation, visitor engagement and garden development, while helping to ensure the garden remains relevant and inspiring for a wide range of visitors.

For more information about our property please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knightshayes-court

What You'll Be Doing

You'll lead the care, conservation and development of the Formal and Woodland Garden and a conservatory. You will also work closely with and give support to the care for our Walled Kitchen Garden and wider outdoor areas. Working closely with your team, you'll support staff, trainees and volunteers through coaching, training and practical leadership.

You'll take responsibility for managing risks, maintaining safe working practices and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and National Trust policies. You'll also support the management of budgets and resources, oversee small projects, work with contractors where required and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and innovation.

An important part of the role is helping to create engaging visitor experiences. Whether interpreting garden features, supporting events, speaking with visitors or working with local communities, you'll help people connect with the garden and the work that happens behind the scenes.

You can view the full role profile in the attached document. You don't need to meet every requirement listed; the profile is intended to provide a complete picture of the role and its potential scope

Who We're Looking For

You’ll bring a broad range of the following knowledge, skills and experience, shaped by different roles, sectors or career paths. Please use your application to demonstrate how you meet the criteria below.;

• Practical horticultural experience, supported by a Level 3/4 horticultural qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience or knowledge of maintaining a large garden with different area characters
• Experience or knowledge of unheated display glasshouse (conservatory)
• Strong plant knowledge and an understanding of garden management and conservation
• Experience of leading, supporting or developing staff and/or volunteers
• Strong understanding of health and safety, compliance and risk management
• Experience of delivering training, coaching or sharing horticultural knowledge
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience of planning projects, managing resources and working collaboratively with others.

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.

National Trust place

Knightshayes Court, Bolham, Tiverton, EX16 7RQ

Documents

• Gardener Supervisor Additional Information.pdf
• Garden Supervisor - C.pdf

Requirements

Compliance.Eligibility to Work in the UK

Additional information

Closing Date: 15 November 2026

Interview Date: 26 November 2026

To apply for this vacancy simply click the 'apply' button in the top right hand side of the page.

If you need any help with your application, i.e. due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at Sign in to view email

If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at [email protected] and we'll support you as best as we can. For examples of how, please see our supporting you page.

Equal Opportunities Statement

The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.

Safeguarding Statement

The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment processes to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.