Horticulturist - Projects Team

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 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 busy Projects team within our Horticulture and Botany division.

The Role:

Our Horticulturist will be part of a team who develop and maintain a wide range of horticultural features and activities within our Animal and Plant Division and the wider zoo environment. Our Horticulturist will landscape and plant animal enclosures and garden features, maintaining lawns, hedges, bedding displays, mature trees and the Zoo’s newly created 5 hectare nature reserve, Plus browse areas at Woodside farm.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture is desirable, and proven practical horticultural experience
• Experience operating a wide range of horticultural machinery and equipment efficiently and safely
• Excellent communications skills to engage with our visitors
• Full driving licence valid in the UK
• PA1 and PA6 spraying certificates
• An understanding of environmental and conservation issues and a passion for wildlife

The Package

Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank holidays as rostered.

• Permanent contract
• £23,238.33 per annum based on 40 hours
• 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 friends and family
• 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 up to 9%
• Excellent training and career progression opportunities
  

To Apply

To apply for this position, please go to https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/chesterzoo/displayjob.aspx?jobid=443 and click ‘Apply for Job’.  You will then be required to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for this role.

Closing date for applications is 30 November 2022.