Horticulturist - Gardens (Part Time)

Chester Zoo; Chester; On-site; GBP 16,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading conservation charity in Chester is seeking a part-time Horticulturist for a fixed term role. The successful candidate will maintain gardens, develop horticultural projects, and engage with visitors. With a minimum NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture required, this role plays a crucial part in conservation efforts. The position offers a salary of £15,900 per annum, 33 days annual leave pro rata, and various perks including a staff pass for zoo visits.

Benefits

33 days annual leave pro rata

Cycle to work scheme

Healthcare plan

Discounted gym membership

Pension scheme with generous contributions

Qualifications

• Minimum of NVQ Level 2 in a Horticultural subject.
• Proven practical experience in horticulture, preferably in a garden environment.
• Excellent communications skills to engage with our visitors.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the maintenance of gardens and planted areas.
• Contribute to maintaining excellent horticulture standards.
• Be involved in developing new horticultural projects.

Skills

Practical horticulture experience

Good working plant knowledge

Excellent communication skills

Use of horticultural machinery

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture

Job description

Horticulturist – Gardens

Part time – fixed term contract (15 months)

We are Chester Zoo

We’re not just an amazing, award‑winning visitor attraction that’s home to 30,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.

We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Horticulturist to join our Gardens team within the wider Plants department, which manages all the zoo’s horticultural features. With Chester Zoo recently gaining accreditation as a ‘Botanic Garden – Conservation Practitioner’, this position will play a vital role in creating the greatest possible conservation impact for plants as well as animals.

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 of the indoor plantings within our tropical houses.
• Contribute to the team maintaining an excellent standard of horticulture across the site and maximising 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.
• Responsible for ensuring all safe working procedures are adhered to.

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes…

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

The Package

• Part time, fixed term position based on 24 hours per week on a 15 month contract.
• Working 6 days in 14, weekends and bank holidays may be required as rostered. Summer operations are normally from 7.00am – 4.00pm, and winter operations are normally from 8.00am – 4.00.
• Salary of £15,900 per annum
• 33 days annual leave pro rata plus the option to buy or sell.
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus multiple complimentary tickets for your 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.
• 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.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable

• A full driving licence valid in the UK.

Interviews will be held the week commencing 15 December 2025.