Grounds Assistant

Grounds Assistant
Recruitment Pack - February 2026

Contents

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Introduction

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in joining the Glastonbury Abbey team. Glastonbury
Abbey holds a unique place in English history and cultural identity. Its fame was
built upon its rich tradition of legends, linking Glastonbury with the biblical figure of
Joseph of Arimathea, and chivalric figures such as King Arthur and Queen
Guinevere. Glastonbury’s reputation as the earliest Christian church in western
Europe attracted spiritual pilgrims, royal patrons and tremendous wealth.

Glastonbury Abbey is located in the heart of Glastonbury, Somerset, a diverse and
vibrant town renowned throughout the world as a place of pilgrimage. The abbey is
governed by a board of trustees and is led by a director and senior leadership team
that deliver the strategic objectives in line with its charitable objects. It welcomes
visitors from all over the world while also maintaining strong links with its local
community via a membership scheme and a programme of special events.

Glastonbury Abbey offers visitors a heritage site with nationally significant
archaeological ruins, a 14th century medieval kitchen, 36 acres of beautiful grounds
as well as a museum, cafés and a shop. It is a site of pilgrimage for people of all
faiths and backgrounds and hosts more than 170,000 visitors per year attracted by
reasons as diverse as spirituality, myth, legend, exercise, reflection, history and the
environment.

This is an exciting period in the life of the abbey. The Abbey Yard development,
providing new visitor welcome spaces, gift shop and café, was completed in
2025, and we welcomed 179,000 visitors that year. Future plans include, among
other things, improved heritage interpretation and an ambitious programme of
conservation.

Glastonbury Abbey is a historical monument, spiritual centre, and visitor attraction.
If this role and the opportunity of working at such a location appeals to you we
willbe very happy to hear from you.

Janet Bell, MBE
Director, Glastonbury Abbey

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Who We Are

Glastonbury Abbey is an independent registered charity (no. 1129263) and a company
limited by guarantee (no. 6873912), with visitor income and donations the only sources of
income. The abbey is governed by a board of trustees.

The objects of the charity have been reviewed and are currently with the Charity
Commission for approval. They are:

•	 maintain and preserve the built and natural environment of Glastonbury Abbey
•	 use and develop Glastonbury Abbey to advance the Christian religion in accordance

with its traditions and spiritual significance

•	 educate and inspire an understanding and appreciation of the historic and religious

importance of Glastonbury Abbey.

The abbey is a scheduled ancient monument and listed building of national importance.
The ruins, grounds and accredited museum are open to the public up to 364 days a year.
There are over 3200 members and many visits from schools and organised groups take
advantage of the education element provided. There is an annual events programme
including concerts, plays and the Medieval Fayre. There are two cafés – one at the entrance
and one in the grounds. There is also a shop and the abbey owns two houses and a car park.

Abbey House is the administrative building at Glastonbury Abbey as well as a venue for hire.
It has a catering kitchen and hosts events such as conferences, workshops, dinners and
receptions.

The abbey relies on admission tickets, events and rental from commercial properties for all
its income; it receives no operational grants and has an annual turnover in the region of £1.5
million.

Operation of all aspects of the abbey is carried out by an employed staff, which averages 41
and includes more than 50 volunteers.

Commercial activities are run under the auspices of Glastonbury Abbey Trading Ltd, a
subsidiary with a board made up of members of the senior leadership team, trustees and
non-executive directors.

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Grounds Assistant - February 2026

Organisation

Trustees

Director

The board of trustees is chaired by David Odgers
and governs Glastonbury Abbey for public
benefit and future generations in accordance
with its charitable objectives.

Glastonbury Abbey is led by the director. They
report to the board of trustees and drive the
operation of the abbey with the support of the
senior leadership team.

Senior Leadership
Team

The senior leadership team comprises the
Director, Head of Finance, Head of Estates,
Head of Engagement and Head of Commercial
Activity.

Management Team

The management team implements the abbey’s
strategic priorities and supports the wider team.

Assistant Level

Staff

Volunteers

Throughout the abbey team assistants bring
a multitude of skills and years of experience
to bear on the many tasks undertaken at the
abbey. They directly support the management
and senior leadership teams.

The staff at Glastonbury Abbey are customer
focused, knowledgeable and passionate about
their role in the future of the abbey. Each
member of staff has a unique perspective on the
abbey’s place within the community.

Volunteers support every team within the abbey
in a great variety of roles. Their input is invaluable
in the operation of the abbey.

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Grounds Assistant - February 2026

The Role

Grounds Assistant

Salary: £12.21 per hour rising to £12.71 in April
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 18 hours per week over 3 days
Reports to: Grounds Manager

Principal working relationships: Grounds Manager, Grounds team, Grounds Volunteers,
Facilities Team.

Purpose of the Post

The purpose of the post is to assist in the care and maintenance of Glastonbury Abbey’s 40
acres of parkland and the abbey’s principal garden areas.

This job description sets out the principal accountabilities of the post. It does not include every
task necessary to fulfil the purpose of the post.

Generic Responsibilities:

▶  Adhere to the principles of Glastonbury Abbey’s values at all times
▶  Maintain employee and organisational confidentiality in line with the General Data

Protection Regulations

▶  Comply with all legislative requirements as well as all company policies, procedures and

processes.

▶  Ensure compliance with Data protection rules and liaise with GDPR working team as

required, maintaining policies and procedures as necessary.

Observe equal opportunities, with respect to both visitors and members of staff. Treat
everyone with respect and tolerance, regardless of faith, nationality, gender and sexual
orientation and disability.

Observe all Health and Safety at Work procedures as set out by Glastonbury Abbey. Be
responsible for your own personal health and safety and that of others, including visitors.

Observe all other policies and procedures as set out by Glastonbury Abbey.

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Key Tasks and
Accountabilities

General Duties

▶  Work with the Grounds Manager to carry out the regimes needed to keep all the

grounds in good order.

▶  Assist with planning, training and development as needed.
▶  Carry out daily, weekly, monthly and annual work cycles as directed by the Grounds

Manager.

▶  Carry out soft and hard landscaping as directed.
▶  Procurement and propagation of plants for grounds and plant sales.
▶  Assist in the planting and maintenance of seasonal displays.
▶  Assist in planting out, watering, feeding and maintaining new plantings in borders

as needed.

▶  Work alongside Volunteers on Grounds / Gardens projects.
▶  Assist with the winter maintenance schedule for seats and benches.
▶  Assist with maintenance and repairs to fencing and pathways.
▶  Assist with minor repairs to damaged areas being mindful of Listed status

restrictions and Scheduled Monuments Consent as directed by the Grounds
Manager.

▶  Work with the facilities team to ensure cleanliness of all areas.
▶  Any other tasks as agreed with the Grounds Manager.

Health & Safety

 ▶ Ensure proper and secure storage of chemicals, equipment and machinery,

complying with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.

 ▶ Ensure all Hand Arm Vibration calculations are recorded daily.
 ▶ Ensure all Personal Protective Equipment is used as required.
 ▶ Carry out safety checks on all machinery and act when necessary for safe and proper

functioning.

 ▶ Prepare machinery for annual service as directed.
 ▶ Keep up to date with online training and qualification certificates .
 ▶ Be mindful of access for all visitors widely across the grounds displaying notices

where there are hazards.

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Person Specification

Education &
Qualifications

Essential
▶ Basic numeracy and literacy skills
▶ (basic) IT knowledge

Desirable

Experience

▶ Previous experience in a similar role

Skills & Abilities  ▶ Able to work within a team.

▶ Being able to work unsupervised.
▶ The ability and willingness to learn

and apply new skills.

▶ The ability to use grounds and

garden maintenance equipment.

▶ Qualifications in First Aid.
▶ Driving Licence.
▶ Plant and machinery

qualifications

Other

▶ Physically strong with the ability to

lift heavy weights.

▶ Good attitude to work.

▶ Being pro-active regarding
the care and maintenance
of all abbey grounds and
estates.

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How to Apply

Find out more:

To discuss details about the role and to ask any questions prior to applying please email Claire
Chandler at clairec@glastonburyabbey.com

To apply:

Please download the Glastonbury Abbey application form here and return
it to: clairec@glastonburyabbey.com

Deadline:  5pm, Monday 16th March 2026
Interviews: 25th or 26th March 2026

All Glastonbury Abbey staff are required to:

Observe equal opportunities, with respect to both visitors and members of staff. Treat
everyone equally with respect and tolerance.

Observe all Health and Safety at Work procedures as set out by Glastonbury Abbey. Be
responsible for your own personal health and safety and that of others, including visitors.

Observe all other policies and procedures as set out by Glastonbury Abbey.

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Company Limited by Guarantee registered
in England and Wales with company
number 06873912 Registered charity
number 1129263

Registered Address
Abbey Gatehouse
Magdalene Street
Glastonbury
Somerset BA6 9EL

Telephone +44
(0)1458 832267