Join Our Wildly Talented Team — Become Head Gardener at the West Midlands Safari Park
Do you dream in planting schemes and find joy in curating lush, living landscapes? Can you lead a green-fingered team to create awe-inspiring environments that captivate guests and support wildlife conservation? If so, West Midlands Safari Park is calling.
We’re seeking a passionate and experienced Head Gardener to oversee our expansive and themed horticultural spaces. From exotic planting around enclosures to immersive guest walkways and seasonal event displays, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the look and feel of our wild world.
This is more than just gardening—it’s habitat enrichment, climate-aware design, and storytelling through nature. If you're excited by the idea of working in a unique, dynamic environment where giraffes graze and lemurs leap within view of your handiwork, we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Services
Full-time, Permanent
Role Profile
To lead the horticultural vision and daily operations of the park’s landscaped and themed environments, ensuring they enhance the guest experience, support animal welfare, and reflect the park’s conservation values. The Head Gardener will manage a team to deliver high standards of presentation, sustainability, and innovation across all green spaces.
Key Responsibilities
* Landscape & Habitat Management
* Maintain and develop themed planting schemes that complement animal habitats and guest areas.
* Collaborate with animal care teams to ensure plantings are safe, enriching, and appropriate for species on site.
* Oversee the upkeep of lawns, borders, enclosures, and water features.
* Supervise and mentor a team of gardeners, apprentices, and volunteers.
* Plan and delegate daily tasks, seasonal projects, and long-term improvements.
Ensure safe working practices and compliance with health and safety regulations.
Guest Experience & Presentation
* Ensure all public-facing areas are visually appealing and well-maintained year-round.
* Support seasonal events with themed displays (e.g. Halloween, Christmas).
* Respond to feedback and adapt planting schemes to enhance visitor satisfaction.
Sustainability & Innovation
* Promote eco-friendly practices such as composting, water conservation, and pollinator planting.
* Trial new plant species and techniques suited to changing climate conditions.
* Contribute to the park’s biodiversity and conservation goals.
Budget & Resource Management
* Manage horticultural budgets, procurement, and stock control.
* Maintain tools, machinery, and irrigation systems.
Working Conditions
* Outdoor work in all weather conditions across a large, dynamic site
* Occasional weekend or evening work for events or emergencies
* Physical tasks including lifting, digging, and machinery use
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