Horticulturalist & Groundskeeper

About us
The Hawk Conservancy is an award-winning visitor attraction and conservation charity dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey.

The Trust has already enjoyed considerable success over the last 58 years and is ranked a top attraction in Hampshire according to TripAdvisor.

We are fortunate to be situated on a stunning 22-acre park with a range of facilities, including the Trust Shop and our superb Feathers Restaurant.

Our reputation for a warm welcome and passion for our birds and our visitors is central to our success.

Overview:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Gardener & Groundskeeper with the Hawk Conservancy Trust.

This new role will be tasked with managing and transforming the Trust's landscaping and grounds not only to attain high standards in our visitors' experiences, but also to create and promote the Trust's horticultural features as an integral part of the attraction's appeal and educational experience.

There is wide scope for creativity and development of showcase features for the Trust's visitors.

Responsible to:
Head of Development



Responsible for:
Creatively enhancing the horticultural appeal of the Trust

Salary:
Up to £26,000 depending on experience

Hours:
Full-time, flexible work pattern. Very occasional need for work at the weekend

Start:
From June 2024

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to developing the profile of the Hawk Conservancy Trust as a world class visitor attraction and conservation charity, creatively highlighting the grounds as a key element of the appeal to visitors
• Manage and balance strategic projects involving horticultural development and grounds maintenance
• Work within approved budgets
• Adoption or creation of best practice approaches in all aspects of the Trust's operations, including sustainability and onsite biodiversity
• Ensure the park runs smoothly and professionally
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and Zoo Licensing regulations
• Deputise for the Head of Development in his absence
• Effectively develop the teamwork of the Hawk Conservancy Trust

Responsible for:

Leading the development and implementation of a strategic plan for the horticultural appeal of the Hawk Conservancy Trust, incorporating educational elements to support the Trust's conservation mission.

Creating and implementing a proactive maintenance plan to ensure the grounds and horticulture are kept to high standards and in line with Health & Safety regulations.

Ensuring the Trust's aims for continual improvements in sustainability and onsite biodiversity are achieved.

Contributing to horticultural & landscaping components of aviary design or other attraction elements.

Collaborating with the Education and C&R departments to align with their objectives.

Managing and supervising volunteers, students and work groups engaged in gardening and grounds management. Managing and supervising suppliers and contractors as needed.

Participating in the winter refurbishment and maintenance programme as able.

Collaborating with the Head of Living Collections and his team members on developing enclosures and arena and aviary maintenance.

Collaborating with the marketing team on promotion of horticultural features, such as press releases, news stories, social media, and other activities.

Producing plants for the Trust shop to sell.

Other tasks as reasonably required.

Skills:

Required:

• Minimum of NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture, RHS, City & Guilds or equivalent
• Competent with garden machinery, including tractors, and working at heights
• Passionate about plants and horticulture and working towards the Trust's mission
• Creative and able to envisage developing a range of landscape types from wildflower meadows and natural habitats to more formal gardens; open to new ideas
• Flexible and willing to accommodate nontraditional work patterns and interruptions
• Enthusiastic & selfmotivated
• Eye for detail and high standards
• Strong communicator with colleagues, volunteers and the public
• Effective team player with ability to supervise volunteers
• Physically fit, energetic and willing to work outdoors in various weather conditions
• Resilient
• Trustworthy and high level of integrity
• Organised

Desirable

• Chain saw certificate
• Machinery & equipment maintenance
• Pond management
• Handy(wo)man

Job Types:
Full-time, Permanent

Pay:
Up to £26,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Onsite parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location:
In person

Reference ID:
Horticulturalist

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