Horticulturist

**Full-time, temporary fixed term contract**

This is a key role working as a Horticulturist based on our busy Gardens team within our Plants department.

As a Horticulturist on 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. You will contribute to the team maintaining an excellent standard of horticulture, essential for this world-class visitor attraction.

The Gardens Team is part of the wider Plants department which manages all of the zoo’s horticultural features, gardens and greenhouses in our 125 acre site, including five National Plant Collections and a Nature Reserve. We aim to create the greatest possible conservation impact for plants as well as animals.

**The Package**
- Full time, temporary fixed term position (maternity cover) until June 2025.
- Working hours vary with the season (41.25 hours per week in summer, 37.5 hours per week in Winter). To be worked 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 4.00pm.
- 33 days annual leave per year (pro rata)
- Salary of £26,702.81 per annum
- Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends
- Access to healthcare plan
- Employee assistance programme
- Discounted gym membership
- Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
- Pension scheme with generous employer contributions of up to 9%

**Our Requirements
- Proven practical experience in horticulture, preferably working within a garden environment.
- Good plant knowledge.
- Have experience with the use of horticultural machinery.
- Have an understanding of environmental and conservation issues and a passion for wildlife.
- Be hardworking, reliable and work well in a team.
- Have excellent communications skills to engage with our visitors
- Ideally hold a full driving licence valid in the UK.
- Ideally hold a PA1 & PA6 spraying certificate.

**More About Us**

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals. 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.