Job Title: Horticulturist – Full time, Fixed‑term contract (15 months)
Location: Chester Zoo, North West
Closing date: 26 Oct 2025
Salary: £26 500 per annum (pro‑rated)
Contact: Alex McGinn – recruitment@chesterzoo.org
The Role
As a Horticulturist in 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.
* Contribute to the team maintaining an excellent standard of horticulture across the site and maximising the sustainability of all horticultural operations.
* Be involved in the development of new horticultural projects and displays within the Zoo to enhance visitor experience and animal enrichment.
* Be responsible for ensuring all safe working procedures are adhered to.
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
We are a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketing professionals, visitor experience specialists, environmental policy influencers and more, all on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world and our planet better. As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals and exciting plans. We are an inclusive and diverse organisation of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, investing in our colleagues to boost career development.
The Package
* Full‑time, fixed‑term position based on 40 hours per week for 15 months.
* Working 10 days in 14, including weekends and bank holidays as rostered.
* Operations: Summer 7:00 am–4:00 pm, Winter 8:00 am–4:00 pm (subject to change).
* Salary of £26 500 per annum (pro‑rated).
* 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
* Staff pass and 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.
The Successful Candidate Will Have
* A minimum of NVQ Level 2 in a Horticultural subject or equivalent experience.
* Proven practical experience in horticulture, preferably working within a garden environment.
* Good working plant knowledge.
* Experience with the use of horticultural machinery.
* Excellent communication skills to engage with visitors.
* An understanding of environmental and conservation issues and a passion for wildlife.
Although Not Essential, The Following Would Be Desirable
* A full UK driving licence.
* PA1 & PA6 pesticide application certificates.
Please note
We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. 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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