Gardener

Job Title: Gardener

Reports to: Gardens and Landscape Manager

Department/Function: Leisure & Tourism

Hours: 37.5 hours

Location: Raby Castle

Salary: Competitive above NMW

Job Ref: VA220 - 2026

Overview of Raby Estates

Raby Castle near Staindrop has been the home of the Vane family for generations and is open to visitors. Lord and Lady Barnard have developed the Castle and grounds extensively to become one of the foremost visitor attractions in the country.

The wider Raby Estate comprises substantial landholdings and trading operations include in-house farms let farms and residential property along with sporting enterprises across Estates in Co Durham and Shropshire. We also have visitor attractions at Raby Castle High Force Hotel and Waterfall in Upper Teesdale and The Wrekin in Shropshire.

Purpose of Job

Raby Estates are seeking an enthusiastic gardener with previous experience of working within gardens open to the public.

Having recently completed an ambitious project to renovate the Historic Grounds and facilities at Raby Castle we are offering an opportunity to work in one of the most spectacular settings in the North of England. Reporting to the Assistant Head Gardener you will assist in the care and presentation of historic grounds and recently established gardens both here and estate properties locally.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a high standard of care and practise horticultural excellence in all areas.
• Use a wide range of hand-held tools and garden machinery including tractors lawnmowers and strimmers undertaking training where required.
• Assist with the presentation of our plant sales area and propagate stock for sale.
• Support the team in tree and shrub management fruit pruning and training.
• Engage our visitors with a warm welcome information and guidance.
• Complete daily pre-opening checklists for safety and quality and adhere to all Health and Safety procedures.
• Provide support at our special events throughout the year.
  

What to expect

• You will work in a public facing position; therefore you must be confident and courteous in dealing with visitors and equipped to share information about the estate with them.
• You will be expected to always be presentable utilising estate workwear and PPE where required.
• The ability to work flexible hours is a must. Raby is at its busiest during weekends and holiday periods therefore a flexible shift pattern will be required.
• This list is not exhaustive and you will be required to carry out any other reasonable tasks as required.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Relevant horticultural experience gained in large gardens open to the public.
• Competence in the use of a wide range of garden machinery.
• A keen interest in contemporary gardening and historic houses.
• Practical skills in grounds maintenance and general estate work.
• Attention to detail and high presentational standards.
• A flexible can-do approach to all tasks.
• Teamworking skills.
• You will need a full clean driving licence.

What we have to Offer

• Attractive salary
• 33 days holiday including statutory holidays
• Group Pension Scheme with a 7.7% employer contribution with the option to salary sacrifice
• Group Life Insurance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Buy/Sell Holiday Scheme
• Free on-site car parking
• Discounts at Raby retail and food outlets
• Discounts for stays at Rabys High Force Hotel
• Complimentary access to Raby Castle and High Force leisure attractions
• A behind-the-scenes tour of Raby Castle
• Invitations to Raby Estate social events throughout the year
• A chance to work in one of the most unique and beautiful venues in the region.
• A role that is dynamic engaging and never predictableno two days will be the same!
• A supportive and enthusiastic team that makes every workday enjoyable.

How to apply

If you feel you have the necessary skills experience and personality to undertake this role please apply below.

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