Job Description
Horticulturist – Gardens
Full 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
- 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 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 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.
Although not essential, the following would be desirable:
- 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 would recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you complete the application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.