Operations

JOB PURPOSE

The Garden team plays a vital role in delivering the National Trust for Scotland’s mission by contributing to nature conservation, visitor experience, learning, and community engagement. This work supports both the strategic objectives of individual properties and the wider goals of the organization, helping to protect and promote Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Garden Apprentice position offers a valuable opportunity for a young person to gain hands-on experience, training, and professional development in a dynamic conservation and visitor services environment. Working alongside experienced colleagues, the apprentice will support the care and presentation of our landscapes, engage with visitors and local communities, and contribute to the protection and enjoyment of special places.

Through meaningful public engagement, excellent customer service, and commitment to high standards, the Garden Apprentice will help create memorable experiences for visitors. As part of the site team at Kellie Castle and Garden (East Fife Team), the apprentice will also support income generation and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Trust’s work.

The Apprentice will also study for a Modern Apprenticeship (SVQ in Horticulture within Parks and Gardens and greenspaces at SCQF Level 6) with Rural Skills Scotland.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

You will take direction from the Head Gardener, with the Garden team providing day -to-day supervision. You will also work alongside other property staff. The apprenticeship will be run in partnership with Rural Skills Scotland, who will support the successful candidate through their SVQ undertaking regular observations to allow the apprentice to meet the necessary evidence requirements. The apprenticeship is for a fixed period of 18 months during which the successful candidate will be mentored and undertake relevant vocational training.

You will provide a consistently high standard of work and customer care at all times:
 Promoting and supporting the organic management principles within the gardens
 Assisting with the production of fruit and vegetables for sale.
 Assisting with all general gardening duties
 Maintenance of the of the estate
 Providing an excellent visitor experiences including delivery of guided walks, events and educational activities, answering visitors’ queries about the property and gardens
 Promoting the National Trust for Scotland and the benefits of Trust membership
 Always maintain excellent standards of site and personal presentation
 Ensuring work is undertaken in a safe and appropriate manner, wearing correct uniform, name badges, or PPE as required

JOB PURPOSE
The National Trust for Scotland is passionate about Scotland’s heritage; we make a difference to what makes Scotland so special. The role is based at Brodie Castle and Estate. 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, and a 75-acre estate of designated historic designed landscape which holds policy woodland, 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. Brodie also hosts weddings, private hire functions and year-round events.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Qualifications
• A formal qualification at NVQ/ SVQ Level 2 in amenity horticulture supported by knowledge and a minimum of 2 years practical work experience in a heritage or amenity garden context.
• PA1 and PA6a spraying certificates, or willingness to be trained in the use of pesticides and to exercise that training.
• Current driving licence valid for driving in the UK.
• Formal machinery certifications, i.e., Ride on mowers, tractors, chainsaws etc or willingness to be trained.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Undertaking practical maintenance of the garden and estate e.g., managing trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, and bulbs; turf care; pest/disease/weed control; staking, plant nutrition, composting and soil improvement to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by visitors including other professionals in the horticultural industry.
• Contributing to the management, conservation, and development of the garden and estate by plant propagation, cultivation, production of seed and the inputting of appropriate plant records on IRIS database and labelling were directed by the Garden and Estate Manager or Assistant Head Gardener.
• The ability to work individually or as part of a team across a wide range of activities across the garden & estate including hedge cutting, strimming & brush cutting, tractor/ATV driving, chipping & spraying.
• As requested, assisting with education/interpretation activities such as introductory talks and guided walks.
• Fostering positive relationships with visitors, local communities and other organisations and promote the work of the Trust when & were appropriate.
• On occasion, supervising and working with volunteers and/or staff members to ensure they deliver required outputs and the appropriate standard of work, and gain benefit/satisfaction from their activities.
• Undertaking such other reasonable duties as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth running of the property as required by the Operations Manager / Property Management team.
• On occasion, contributing to the review and development of operational workplans for the gardens.
• Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety, and environment policies and procedures. This will include timely completion of HAVS, spraying records and attendance of annual health monitoring.

JOB PURPOSE
Under the direction of the Head Gardener and as part of the property team, assist with the conservation and development of the gardens to ensure that Culzean Castle Gardens are presented at the highest standards to its visitors and guests. The post exists to in order to ensure that the garden and policies across the Property are managed and maintained as an internationally recognised garden of outstanding horticultural importance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
The Key Purposes of the job will be met by:
1. Undertaking practical maintenance of the garden and wider estate (e.g. managing trees and shrubs, herbaceous plants, and turf care; pest/disease/weed control; composting and soil improvement; hard-landscaping; path care; waste management) to the required standards expected by the Trust and for the maximum safety of, and enjoyment by visitors;
2. Fostering positive relationships promote the work of the Trust.
3. On occasion, working with volunteers and/or staff members to ensure they deliver required outputs at the appropriate standard, and gain benefit/satisfaction from their activities.
4. Demonstrating self motivation, organizing, planning, and the ability to prioritise along with good time management;
5. Undertaking such other reasonable duties as may from time to time be required to ensure the smooth running of the property as required by the Head Gardener.
6. Ensuring compliance with the Trust’s health, safety, and environment policies and procedures.