Applications for this position will only be accepted from current employees of RZSS (this includes seasonal staff who are currently undertaking work for us)
Please discuss with your current line manager prior to submitting your application.
How you you’ll contribute to our mission
The role will lead and coordinate the day-to-day horticultural, landscaping and grounds operations across Edinburgh Zoo, ensuring that all green spaces, enclosures and surrounding infrastructure are maintained to the highest standards of safety, presentation and sustainability. The postholder will contribute to the long-term development of RZSS’s landscapes, supporting the charity’s mission to connect people with nature and protect species from extinction, while ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, policies and health and safety requirements.
Some of the things you’ll do:
1. Lead, motivate and develop the Gardens team to deliver high-quality horticultural and landscape maintenance across the site.
2. Plan, prioritise and delegate daily workloads, ensuring appropriate staff and resources are allocated effectively.
3. Ensure all horticultural operations comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, COSHH, PUWER, Manual Handling Regulations, and relevant environmental protection legislation.
4. Conduct and record risk assessments and site inspections, implementing appropriate control measures.
5. Plan and coordinate landscaping and refurbishment projects in collaboration with other RZSS departments.
6. Monitor contractor performance to ensure safe, compliant, and high-quality delivery of works.
7. Support the development of capital and maintenance plans aligned with RZSS’s sustainability goals.
8. Report on project progress, highlighting risks, cost implications and potential solutions.
What we’re looking for:
9. You’ll have an HNC in Horticulture with Plantsmanship and or Landscape Management, or equivalent qualification or experience.
10. Relevant IOSH Health and Safety qualifications.
11. Management training qualification or equivalent experience, including people management.
12. Proven working knowledge and competence in using horticultural machinery and vehicles.
13. Competence in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel).
14. Significant competence in all aspects of horticulture.
Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria.
What you’ll get in return:
15. Starting pro-rated salary of £33, or £34, (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £37, per annum
16. 37.5hr working week (may require some weekend working/on call)
17. 34 days annual leave (pro rata)
18. Discount in both retail/catering
19. Access to a healthcare plan
20. Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), that provide 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice
21. Employer contributory pension scheme
22. You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK.
If this role excites you and aligns with your career aspirations, click APPLY now.
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK and PVG Check
Please note that shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found.
Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications, as soon as possible.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act .