Horticulturalist – Full-time, Permanent
Hertfordshire Zoo, located in Hertfordshire, is looking for an experienced horticulturalist to join our horticulture team.
The Role
As part of the horticulture team you will carry out a wide range of practical horticultural tasks, support daily grounds maintenance and longer‑term habitat and landscaping projects. You will work across the entire site, collaborating with animal keepers, maintenance teams and visitor operations.
Key Responsibilities
* Maintain lawns, gardens, themed planting areas, animal enclosures, pathways and visitor landscapes.
* Carry out planting, pruning, watering, mulching, soil preparation and weed control.
* Ensure consistently high standards of presentation, safety and site appearance.
* Support planting schemes that encourage natural animal behaviours and select and maintain animal‑safe, sustainable plant species.
* Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of planted animal habitats.
* Safely operate and maintain horticultural machinery and tools, including ride‑on mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, leaf blowers and hand tools.
* Carry out basic equipment maintenance and follow all health and safety procedures.
* Support seasonal displays and themed horticultural projects.
* Contribute ideas toward long‑term horticultural improvements across the site.
* Support general site upkeep such as leaf clearance and seasonal works.
* Work positively with colleagues and volunteers across departments.
* Confidently and professionally engage with visitors when required.
* Adhere to all health and safety policies and safe working practices.
* Report hazards or issues promptly and help identify practical solutions.
* Support environmentally responsible and sustainable horticultural practices.
Essential Requirements
* Practical experience in horticulture, landscaping or grounds maintenance.
* Good knowledge of plants, seasonal care and horticultural techniques.
* Experience using horticultural tools and machinery safely and effectively.
* Proactive, hands‑on approach with strong attention to detail.
* Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
* Friendly, professional manner when interacting with visitors.
* Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle.
* Right to live and work in the UK (evidence required).
Desirable Qualifications
* Experience working within a zoo, wildlife park or visitor attraction.
* Knowledge of animal‑safe planting and habitat enrichment.
* Understanding of plant toxicity in relation to animal care.
* Relevant horticultural qualifications such as RHS or equivalent.
* Nursery, propagation, seeding or cutting experience.
* Telehandler, forklift or relevant plant equipment licences.
What We Offer
* Salary: £26,325–£27,300 per annum (£13.50–£14.00 per hour), depending on experience.
* Hours: 37.5 hours per week, worked 5 days over 7; Apr–Sept: 08:00–17:00; Oct–Mar: 08:00–16:00.
* Holiday: 28 days plus Christmas Day (rising to 33 with service).
* Access to the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme.
* Staff discounts and benefits, including free access to UK and European zoos, regular team events, and eligibility for the Conservation Award.
* Start date: ASAP.
Application closing date: 25 May 2026.
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