Theming Technician

Our Theming Technician will use theming skills and knowledge to support the zoo mission, contributing to the efficient and effective delivery of the Strategic Development Plan. They will :

• undertake theming works including construction of ponds, rock walls, vines, freestanding rocks and tree trunks.


• Produce a high quality finish using hand tools, power tools, trowels, carving tools, concrete sprayers, colour changing powders, hardeners, acid stains and paints.


• maintain and develop Chester Zoo's gardens, glasshouses, car parks, nature reserve and tropical houses to the required standard, with an emphasis on meeting both the plants and visitors needs in display areas.
  
  Full UK Driving Licence


• Good understanding of machinery, hand tools, power tools, abrasive wheel, welding


• Design skills and creativity to produce attractive displays. This is particularly important in theming and horticultural displays, as each project is usually unique and bespoke, and requires a high standard of design and finish.


Artistic flair is essential and the ability to present drawings and scale models is required.

• Excellent communication skills


• A good understanding of working on sites, being able to read plans and drawings


• Training to minimum NVQ Level 2 Horticulture (or equivalent).


• At least two years practical horticultural experience to enable the post-holder to be able to work independently wide range of different scenarios.


• Ability to identify, recognise and treat pests and diseases by either biological or chemical means.


• Qualified (holding certificates of competence) to operate a wide range of horticultural machinery and equipment efficiently and safely to include several of the following : tractor, chainsaw, cherry picker, dumper, digger, ride on mowers, road sweeper, forklift with telescopic arm, welding and abrasive wheel, training in the use of CAT scanning equipment to detect underground services.


• CSCS card desired


• The jobholder will have a very good understanding of a wide range of theming skills and practices including; coloured renders, theme render, theme concrete, stains and paints, ponds and specialist pumping requirements.


Trained in using flexible mould compounds, liquid latex texture moulding, glass fibre and resins for making pools, ponds and waterfalls.

Preferred, but not essential as full training will be given :

An understanding of mortar / concrete spraying and carving and texture printing with the use of latex printed moulds.

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 90 years we've been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We're also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and despite all the recent challenges thrown at us, we still want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we'd love to hear from you.

The Package :

• Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends and Bank holidays as rostered.


• 12 month temporary fixed term contract


• Salary £28,612.83 per annum


• 33 days annual leave per annum


• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family


• 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 up to 9%