Grounds Manager

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Free entry to wetland centres

Free car parking

Cycle to work scheme

Contributory pension

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

WWT Slimbridge is seeking an experienced Grounds Manager to lead the grounds team and develop high standards across all visitor areas. You’ll combine practical horticulture know-how with strategic leadership to support wildlife habitats and exceptional visitor experiences at this renowned wetland centre.

The role requires management experience, horticultural qualification, and a full UK driving licence. It is a full-time position, 37.5 hours across 5 days, with weekends and bank holidays

Qualifications

• Qualification in horticulture or landscaping.
• Experience at management level.
• Experience in use of plant and machinery.
• Experience in grounds or estate management, ideally with visitor focus.
• Proactive, solutions-focused and resourceful approach.
• Full current driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a skilled grounds team, including staff, volunteers and contractors.
• Plan and deliver annual grounds maintenance programmes and improvement projects.
• Enhance landscapes and habitats in line with conservation and visitor experience goals.
• Ensure outstanding standards across all grounds, infrastructure and visitor areas.
• Manage budgets, resources and contractors effectively and sustainably.
• Play a key role in Centre Management Team, including Duty Manager responsibilities.

Skills

Management experience

Plant and machinery operation

Grounds/estate management

Problem solving

Driving licence

Education

Horticulture or landscaping qualification

Job description

WWT Slimbridge (Centre)
South West Closing date for applications is: 1st Oct 2026
Contact: Recruitment ([e-mail]) Sector: Horticulture Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £35,437 per annum

About The Role

WWT Slimbridge is a world-renowned wetland centre where wildlife and people connect. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Grounds Manager to lead our grounds team and help deliver our mission to restore wetlands, help wildlife thrive and inspire people.
This is a key leadership role where you’ll combine practical expertise, strategic thinking and strong people management to ensure WWT Slimbridge grounds are maintained and developed to the highest standards, supporting both exceptional visitor experiences and thriving habitats.

You Will

• lead and develop a skilled grounds team, including staff, volunteers and contractors
• plan and deliver annual grounds maintenance programmes and improvement projects
• enhance landscapes and habitats in line with conservation and visitor experience goals
• ensure outstanding standards across all grounds, infrastructure and visitor areas
• manage budgets, resources and contractors effectively and sustainably
• play a key role in the Centre Management Team, including Duty Manager responsibilities

This is a hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same, from long-term planning and project delivery to supporting your team on the ground.
This is full time position working 37.5 hours, 5 days in 7 including weekends and bank holidays.

About You

• a qualification in horticulture or landscaping
• practical experience at management level
• experience in the use of plant and machinery
• strong experience in grounds or estate management, ideally within a visitor-focused site
• a proactive, solutions-focused and resourceful approach
• a passion for landscapes, nature and creating environments people love to visit
• full current driving licence

We will be actively reviewing applications. The advert may close early if a successful candidate is found.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT

• Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.