Jobs

This role is based at Leith Hall Garden and Estate. Leith Hall is an A-listed, 17th Century quadrangular house and was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945.
The 6 acre garden comprises a B-listed walled garden and is divided into East and West sections containing an impressive and recently reconstructed Arts and Crafts rock garden, a 100m long herbaceous border, serpentine catmint border, shrubberies, lawns, vegetable and fruit gardens, glasshouses and plant sales table, and specimen trees and shrubs. The garden also features the iconic moon gate, one of a few rare examples in Scotland, and the adjacent semi-circular stables block.
The wider policies include parkland trees (including the famous Dule Tree), avenues and drives, meadows and two lakes.

JOB PURPOSE

Under the direction of the Head Gardener, to ensure that the garden and estate are managed and maintained to a high standard in line with the aims and objectives of the National Trust for Scotland.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Assisting with general horticultural duties to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by, visitors. Activities may include:
a. Hand-weeding of beds and borders
b. Weeding, watering and feeding vegetable beds and harvesting produce
c. Planting out (under direction of staff)
d. Grass-cutting, strimming, hedge-cutting and raking/collection
e. Cutting of lawn edges
f. Application of mulches

2. Assisting with general property maintenance duties for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by, visitors. Activities may include:
a. Refuse disposal
b. Raking gravel paths

3. Assisting as required with the general enjoyment of the gardens and estate by:
a. Responding to general visitor enquiries
b. Assisting at events held within the garden or on the estate

4. Assisting with interpretation activities such as answering basic horticultural enquiries from visitors and providing clear and accurate plant labeling.

5. Working with the full time staff to foster positive relationships with local communities, visitors and promoting the work of the Trust, and actively seeking opportunities to increase Trust membership.

6. Working with volunteers to ensure they deliver required outputs at the appropriate standard and gain benefits from their volunteering

7. Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety and environment policies and procedures to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers and visitors. This includes recognition of the Trust’s environmental policy with respect to sustainable gardening policies.

This role does not require you to undertake a criminal records check.

Application Deadline: Sunday 13/04/2025