Horticulturist - Gardens

Chester Zoo; Chester; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A notable wildlife charity is seeking a full-time Horticulturist to assist in maintaining gardens and planted areas. This role supports conservation efforts and enhances visitor experiences through horticultural projects. Candidates should have NVQ Level 2 in horticulture and relevant practical experience. The position offers a salary of £26,500 per annum, with various employee benefits including annual leave, a healthcare plan, and gym discounts.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Pension scheme with generous employer contributions

Qualifications

• Minimum of NVQ Level 2 in a horticultural subject or equivalent experience.
• Proven practical experience in horticulture, preferably in a garden environment.
• Excellent communication skills to engage with visitors.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the maintenance of gardens and planted areas.
• Develop new horticultural projects to enhance visitor experience.
• Ensure safe working procedures are followed.

Skills

Practical experience in horticulture

Good working plant knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Education

NVQ Level 2 in a horticultural subject

Tools

Horticultural machinery

Job description

Horticulturist – Gardens

Full time – fixed term contract (15 months)

Overview

We are Chester Zoo. We are a major wildlife charity committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally, and we contribute to conservation at a time when extinction is a real concern. We prevent extinction.

The Role

As a Horticulturist in the Gardens team, you will:

• Assist with the maintenance of the feature gardens and planted areas across the zoo site and some indoor plantings within our tropical houses.
• Contribute to the team in maintaining an excellent standard of horticulture across the site and maximise the sustainability of all horticultural operations.
• Be involved in the development of new horticultural projects and displays within the Zoo to enhance visitor experience and animal enrichment.
• Be responsible for ensuring all safe working procedures are adhered to.

The Package

• Full time, fixed term position based on 40 hours per week on a 15 month contract.
• Working 10 days in 14, including weekends and bank holidays as rostered. Summer operations are normally from 7.00am – 4.00pm, and winter operations are normally from 8.00am – 4.00, but this may be subject to change.
• Salary of £26,500 per annum (pro-rata).
• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Staff pass to visit the zoo during time off plus multiple complimentary tickets for family and friends.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks.
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions.

The successful candidate will have

• A minimum of NVQ Level 2 in a horticultural subject or equivalent experience.
• Proven practical experience in horticulture, preferably working within a garden environment.
• Good working plant knowledge.
• Experience with the use of horticultural machinery.
• Excellent communications skills to engage with our visitors.
• An understanding of environmental and conservation issues and a passion for wildlife.

Desirable (not essential)

• A full driving licence valid in the UK.
• PA1 & PA6 pesticide application certificates.

Please be aware we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We recommend that if you wish to be considered you complete the application promptly as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place while the advert is live.