Zoo Horticulturalist

ZSL is seeking a dedicated and passionate Zoo Horticulturalist to join our London Zoo Horticulture team. This role is critical in ensuring that the zoo's horticultural needs are met, enhancing both the visitor experience and the welfare of our animals.,

• Maintain and develop amenity areas to a very high standard.


• Maintain animal exhibits to agreed standards and provide forage and plant-based enrichment.


• Engage with visitors and other key audiences.


• Optimise the biodiversity value and function of the Zoo grounds through appropriate habitat management.


• Supervise apprentices, volunteers and work placements as required.
  
  A good knowledge of current horticultural, arboricultural and conservation management techniques and the ability to put these into practice.


• A Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture (or equivalent), or comparable level of experience in countryside management or similar land-based sector is desirable.


• Excellent plant knowledge.


• NPTC/LANTRA certifications in the use of machinery and equipment such as hedge trimmers, brushcutters, mowers and woodchippers are desirable.


• Ability to work as part of a team and independently and good understanding of current health and safety legislation.


• Sound literacy, numeracy, IT skills and good communication.


• A valid full clean driving license is desired.


• The ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and the zoo's indoor exhibits. The job holder must be physically capable of carrying out the required tasks.


• Working hours are 07:00 - 15:30 in summer, 07:00 - 14:30 in winter, Monday - Friday.


This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We're ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we're working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• Our vision and purpose - you'll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct


• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension


• Flexible working - talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you


• Holidays - 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays


• Wellbeing - access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme


• Life assurance - eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL's life assurance scheme from their first day


• Complimentary tickets - annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops


• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle


• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work


• Family friendly policies - we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages


NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.