Role
Assistant Team Manager in the Gardens team within the wider Plants department at Chester Zoo. The role manages ornamental and naturalistic plantings, garden features and tropical houses on the 128 acre site, supporting the Gardens Team Manager in staff and facility management and in maintaining a safe working environment, deputising for the TM as required.
Location and Details
Chester Zoo, North West. Closing date for applications: 26 October 2025. Contact: Alex McGinn (recruitment@chesterzoo.org). Sector: Horticulture. Type: Paid. Contract type: Full-time. Salary: £30,000- £31,929 per annum depending on experience.
Responsibilities
* Contribute to the management and development of the ornamental and naturalistic plantings, garden features and tropical houses on our 128 acre site.
* Use the highest horticultural standards for the care and cultivation of our extensive plant collections.
* Use your plant knowledge in the landscaping and planting of new development projects.
* Support the Gardens Team Manager in staff and facility management and in maintaining a safe working environment, deputising for the TM as required.
* Have experience and knowledge of plant conservation activities.
The Package
* Full time, permanent contract working 40 hours per week
* 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 range £30,000- £31,929 per annum depending on experience.
* 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
* Staff pass to visit the zoo during time off plus multiple complimentary tickets for 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 of up to 9%
The Successful Candidate Will Have
* A NVQ Level 3 qualification in Horticulture or equivalent experience.
* Proven professional experience in a horticultural position, preferably within a garden open to the public.
* Experience supervising a team and managing horticultural work programmes.
* A good working knowledge of garden plants and their cultivation.
* Experience of using horticultural machinery and monitoring Health and Safety compliance.
* PA1 & PA6 pesticide application certificates.
* A full driving licence valid in the UK.
Desirable
* Experience with plant record databases.
* Experience and knowledge of plant conservation activities.
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. If you wish to be considered, please apply promptly as shortlisting and interviews may take place while the advert is live.
Apply For This Job Via Chester Zoo website
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