Garden/ Groundskeeper

Northumberland Zoo

North East England. Closing date for applications is: 16th Nov 2025.

Northumberland Zoo is a major animal attraction and wildlife conservation centre in the Northeast of England. With the addition of numerous brand-new exhibits in the past few years, including our highly recognised critically endangered Livingstone’s fruit bat enclosure, our future is looking bright with ambitious plans for growth including several new species. We are a family‑run, not‑for‑profit zoo and we are looking for a like‑minded team player to join our team; you must be willing to adopt our zoo ethos and join our mission in conservation, education and sustainability to inspire positive change.

This Gardening role is part of a small team and will assist our Lead Groundskeeper and Zoo Director to deliver projects.

If you have a genuine interest in gardening and horticulture surrounded by animals every day and be confronted with problems and puzzles unlike others you have seen before, working at Northumberland Zoo is the place for you. We partake in numerous conservation projects both local and abroad, so this is a rare opportunity for someone to help us directly contribute towards and help increase our conservation efforts.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Alongside maintaining the zoo grounds, we also grow our own flowers and vegetables to feed our animals and we produce our own hay. This role will be varied and include the following:

• Working as part of a small team ensuring that the Zoo grounds look their best all year round
• Landscaping, mowing, planting, strimming, weeding and groundwork
• Growing vegetables and flowers in our poly tunnel and surrounding outdoor areas
• Some DIY skills and ability to drive Zoo vehicles and operate machinery & equipment

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience of gardening and growing vegetables with a genuine interest in horticulture would be desirable
• Experience of handling gardening machinery and any required certificates of competence
• Previous horticultural knowledge and qualification are desirable but not essential
• Have good communication skills and time management

No two days are the same at the Zoo and we need someone who is flexible and a team player, prepared for whatever is happening that day.

• Have the ability to solve problems and adhere to health and safety guidelines
• Must be adaptable and hands‑on and comfortable working around animals
• Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including some weekends, during school holidays as well as bank holidays on a rota with the rest of the team

You will need to be capable of using a variety of tools and be physically fit as this role includes a lot of walking, bending and lifting various weights.

General

• Full driver’s licence and access to a vehicle is essential due to the rural setting of the zoo
• Adhere to Zoo policies at all times
• Cooperate with other Zoo departments
• Attend training courses as required to meet the requirements of the role
• Take responsibility for own personal development, seeking out opportunities to learn new skills
• Flexibility, willing to undertake any other duties as requested by management which are reasonably deemed to be within the scope of the role
• Working on a rota including weekends and Bank Holidays, 5 days out of 7, 8am – 5pm (1hr lunch) 40 hours per week

Apply for this job

To apply for this role, please send your CV and cover letter, describing why you are suited to the role.