Jobs

KEY PURPOSE:

To ensure that the garden and policies of Brodie Castle and Playful Garden are managed and maintained as a nationally-recognised estate and garden of historic importance; contributing to the property’s overall conservation and development and its enjoyment by visitors and supporters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Key Purposes of the job will be met by:

• Care and development of the 1753 designed landscape.
• Undertaking practical maintenance of the garden (including but not limited to: managing trees and shrubs; removing dead and damaged plants; turf care; pest/disease/weed control; composting and soil improvement; hard-landscaping; path care) to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by, visitors;
• Contributing to the management, conservation and development of the garden by maintaining appropriate plant records and labels;
• As requested, assisting with education /interpretation activities such as introductory talks and guided walks;
• Fostering positive relationships with local communities, promote the work of the Trust, and actively seek opportunities to increase Trust membership;
• Contributing to the review and development of property action plans and operational work plans and budgets for the garden;
• Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety, and environment policies and procedures.
• Horticulture and general estate management (pathways, ponds, etc.)
• Supervision of volunteers.

SCOPE OF JOB

Context

Brodie Castle, Garden & Estate comprises: Grade A-listed 16th century tower-house with 17th, 18th and 19th century additions, the Playful Garden, a significant collection of paintings and furniture, a 75 acre estate, a large pond and the famous Brodie Daffodil Collection. It maintains strong links to the Brodie family, whose ancestral seat this was for its entire history. The buildings and grounds are open to the public all year round and are supported by multiple catering facilities within the Castle and Playful Pavilion, two gift shops, the Stables conference centre and holiday accommodation which includes the prestigious “Laird’s Apartment”. Brodie also hosts weddings, private hire functions and events.

People Management

• Will have daily interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities;
• Will have frequent interaction with suppliers and contractors.

Finance Management

• Not a budget-holder but will be expected to take responsibility for effective management of Trust resources in the allocated areas.

Tools/equipment

• Will be a frequent user of driven vehicles such as tractors, ATV’s
• Will be a frequent user of powered tools such as mowers, strimmers, hedge-cutters, Leaf Blowers etc.,
• Will be a frequent user of hand-tools such as spades, forks, trowels, rakes, hoes, shears, and secateurs;
• Will be a frequent user of IT equipment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Essential
• At least two years’ relevant practical experience in general amenity gardening;
• Demonstrable skills in plant maintenance, turf culture, propagation, fruit and vegetable production.
• Sound knowledge of basic tool and machinery use and maintenance;
• Driving Licence, valid for driving within the UK;
• 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;
• Eye for detail and finish, quality standard and best practice.

Desirable
• Skills in arboriculture techniques, basic chain-saw certificates – CS30 & CS31a & b, or willingness to be trained in the basic use of chainsaws and to exercise that training;
• Tractor driving and strimming certificates or willing ness to be trained;
• Competent IT skills sufficient for maintaining plant records, use of the internet/intranet, assisting trainees/apprentices, distance learning etc;
• Experience of working in a garden open to the public;
• Experience of working in a diverse that includes short-term/seasonal staff and/or volunteers.

Applications

Interested applicants should forward a completed application form to the People Services Department (Applications), The National Trust for Scotland, Hermiston Quay, 5 Cultins Road Edinburgh EH11 4DF, by mail or by email via workforus@nts.org.uk, by first post Friday, 10th February 2023.

Application Deadline: Friday 10/02/2023