Arborist Wanted - Winkworth Arboretum

About the job

As a hands-on Arborist/Gardener, you’ll assist in making sure that the arboretum is maintained to a high standard. You’ll be passionate and enthused and knowledgeable about the varied trees and plants within the garden. 

You’ll be undertaking a range of practical arboricultural and horticultural tasks to develop, enhance and conserve the garden and contribute to the delivery of projects.

You'll be helping with general maintenance of the arboretum, such as mulching, pruning, strimming  and mowing.

You’ll assist with the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. You’ll also take ownership of specific areas of the arboretum, ensuring the highest standards are maintained and healthy plants are available for our visitors to enjoy.

You’ll support garden volunteers and help them to make the most of their time here and you’ll interact with the public daily, answering questions, or supporting with workshops, tours and helping set up events when needed.

Preferred Skills

• trained as an arborist or holds level 2 Arboricultural qualifications.

• good knowledge of conservation.

• knowledge of horticulture methods and materials, landscaping, cultivation of trees and woody plants, machine maintenance, plant taxonomy and insect/disease control.

• ability to identify and deal with hazardous and problem trees.

• records maintenance skills.

• competence with ride on machinery, tractors, pedestrian mowers and hand tools.

• a strong understanding of horticultural practices.

• an awareness of Health and Safety and Compliance requirements.

Benefits Offered

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 

• 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

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About the Company

National Trust Winkworth Arboretum

Winkworth Arboretum is set in the Surrey Hills close to the town of Godalming. It has several character areas such as a lake, wetlands, ancient woodland and meadows. With about 120 Champion Trees, 1000 different species and varieties, glorious autumn colour and masses of bluebells throughout in spring it is a great place to work.

Working alongside an arborist and volunteers, you'll report to the Senior Gardener. Few days are the same as there is always lots to do to maintain this very special site. We are focussed on our collection and our visitors but also the environment which includes looking after areas not so well travelled but important for biodiversity and wildlife.

The role is essentially a hybrid Arborist/Horticulturist/Ranger and requires someone with enthusiasm, knowledge and the right attitude.