Gardener

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); Wales; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation-focused zoo in North Wales is seeking a Gardener to maintain natural habitats and provide excellent guest service. The ideal candidate will possess practical gardening skills, a good understanding of plant care, and a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Join our dedicated team and contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying great benefits including training opportunities and staff discounts.

Benefits

Training and development opportunities

Free family admission to the Zoo

Free uniform

Free staff parking

Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme

Discounts in restaurant and gift shop

Holiday scheme with service increase

Company sick pay after qualifying service

Qualifications

• Practical experience in gardening and grounds maintenance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to delivering excellent customer service.

Responsibilities

• Carry out gardening tasks including planting, pruning, and maintenance.
• Check plant health and use Integrated Pest Management.
• Provide assistance and service to zoo guests.

Skills

Gardening skills

Plant care knowledge

Pest control understanding

Eco-friendly practices

Teamwork

Customer service

Education

Level 2 qualification in horticulture

Tools

Horticultural tools

Job description

Welsh Mountain Zoo - National Zoological Society of Wales

Closing date for applications is: 16th Oct 2025

We’re on a Mission - to bring conservation to life here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo. As our new Gardener, you’ll help shape natural habitats, care for our woodlands and gardens, and take pride in creating seasonal displays for everyone to enjoy.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Carrying out propagation, greenhouse work, planting, pruning, weeding, watering, feeding, composting, and grounds maintenance tasks
• Checking plant health and using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to deal with issues
• Cutting hedges, edges, and grass using hand tools and powered equipment
• Maintaining our woodlands and inspecting trees for safety
• Using eco-friendly practices such as efficient watering, composting, and planting native species
• Receiving and safely storing horticultural deliveries
• Providing polite, professional, and helpful service to guests
• Handling guest queries and complaints calmly and effectively
• Following health and safety policies, procedures, and risk assessments
• Safely using tools, equipment, machinery, and substances in line with training and COSHH guidelines

What You’ll Bring

• Practical grounds maintenance and gardening skills including propagation, planting, pruning, weeding, watering, feeding, composting, cutting, edging and strimming
• A good understanding of plant care, soil health, irrigation, and pest control
• Familiarity with eco-friendly practices (composting, water conservation, native planting)
• Ability to use a range of horticultural tools and machinery (industry certification an advantage)
• Good knowledge of plant husbandry and horticultural techniques
• Experience of working with health and safety risk assessments and safe procedures
• Ability to carry out a range of physical tasks (lifting, clearing, carrying) in all weather conditions
• Level 2 qualification (or working towards) in horticulture
• A clean driving licence and the ability to drive a tractor with trailer or cutting deck
• Confidence with basic IT (for completing notes or e-learning training)
• Commitment to delivering exceptional customer service
• Ability to work as part of a close-knit team, as well as independently, showing initiative when required
• Ability to supervise volunteers

As well as working with our wonderful animals and amazing team in one of the most beautiful visitor attractions in North Wales, you will also have access to:

• Training and development opportunities
• Free family admission to the Zoo
• Free uniform
• Free staff parking
• Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme
• Discounts in our restaurant, gift shop, and sweet shop
• Holiday scheme which increases with service (up to 33 days*)
• Company sick pay*

*After qualifying service

Join Us

If you have practical experience in gardening, a passion for plant care and conservation, and want to play a part in developing our Zoo for future generations to enjoy, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us bring conservation to life!

Your cover letter should explain why you’d like to join our team and how you meet the What You’ll Bring criteria listed above.

Follow Us

BIAZA, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY

BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.

If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783. Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)