Horticulturalist

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Big Cat Sanctuary is hiring a dedicated Horticulturalist to manage and maintain its gardens and grounds. This role involves a variety of horticultural tasks and requires a proactive approach, with responsibilities including lawn care, engagement with visitors, and adherence to Health & Safety regulations. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, making it a great opportunity for those passionate about horticulture in a conservation setting.

Benefits

28 days holiday including Bank Holidays

Full staff uniform

Staff discounts/benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in horticulture or grounds maintenance required.
• Knowledge of garden tools and safety practices essential.
• Full driving license and vehicle access necessary.

Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds and gardens including planting, weeding, and pruning.
• Operate and maintain horticultural machinery and tools.
• Engage positively with visitors and enhance the Sanctuary’s image.

Skills

Horticulture

Grounds Maintenance

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Public Engagement

Tools

Horticultural Machinery

Garden Tools

Job description

The Big Cat Sanctuary

Kent Closing date for applications is: 6th Jul 2025

Horticulturalist
(Full-Time, Permanent)

About the Role:
The Big Cat Sanctuary is seeking a dedicated Horticulturalist to manage and maintain the site’s gardens and grounds. This hands-on role covers a wide range of horticultural tasks, including lawn care, planting, pruning, and supporting specialist projects like habitat enrichment. The post holder will work independently and as part of a team, contributing to a safe, tidy, and visually outstanding environment for staff, visitors, and animals.

A proactive, flexible approach is essential—this role includes weekend and Bank Holiday work, and demands a high standard of personal presentation and compliance with Health & Safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities:
• Maintain all grounds and gardens including lawns, beds, planters, baskets, and nursery areas
• Carry out horticultural tasks: planting, weeding, watering, pruning, soil prep, lawn care, etc.
• Operate and maintain horticultural machinery (mowers, strimmers, leaf blowers) and hand tools
• Support habitat enrichment planting and horticultural design projects
• Assist with gritting, snow clearing, and general site upkeep
• Work with other departments, including the Building & Maintenance and Keeper teams
• Ensure safe, secure handling of tools, equipment, and facilities
• Engage positively with visitors and support the Sanctuary’s public-facing image
• Participate in planning and implementing new planting schemes
• Support budget planning and effective resource use for horticultural projects
• Maintain compliance with H&S and environmental legislation
• Attend training, meetings, and practice emergency procedures as required
• Report problems constructively, suggesting solutions and improvements

Your Skills & Experience:
Essential
• Experience in horticulture or grounds maintenance
• Knowledge of garden tools, machinery, and safety practices
• Able to work independently and within a team
• High attention to detail and time management skills
• Physically fit, tidy in appearance, and committed to Health & Safety
• Comfortable engaging with the public
• Full driving license and access to own vehicle is essential as BCS is not accessible by public transport
• In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application (documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process
Desirable
• Experience in project planning or themed garden development
• Understanding of habitat enrichment for animals
• Familiarity with working in a visitor attraction, conservation, or zoo setting

The position is offered on a full-time basis, 5 days per week (generally 08.00-17.00)

In return, you will receive:
• Competitive starting salary, circa £28,000 PA
• 28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays), plus Christmas Day as standard
• Full staff uniform
• A range of staff discounts/benefits

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)