Grounds Manager

WWT; Slimbridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave (increases to 38)

Free entry to wetland centres

Free car parking

Cycle to work scheme

Contributory pension scheme

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

WWT Slimbridge is seeking an experienced Grounds Manager to lead our grounds team and deliver high standards across grounds, habitats and visitor areas.

You will plan maintenance programmes, manage budgets and lead staff, volunteers and contractors to ensure exceptional visitor experiences while supporting conservation goals. The role includes Centre Management Team duties and weekend coverage.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing grounds or estate teams on visitor-focused sites.
• Ability to plan and deliver maintenance programmes and improvement projects.
• Strong people management, including staff, volunteers and contractors.

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 the Centre Management Team, including Duty Manager responsibilities

Skills

grounds management

team leadership

plant and machinery operation

visitor-focused site experience

proactive solutions

landscape and habitat development

Job description

Function: Property, facilities and grounds maintenance

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 practical 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 a full-time position working 37.5 hours, 5 days in 7, including weekends and bank holidays.

About You

The successful candidate will have:

• 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

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 groundbreaking 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.