At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate grounds team to maintain and enhance stunning landscapes.
- Company: Join WWT, a leading charity dedicated to restoring wetlands and wildlife.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, free entry to wetland centres, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on nature while working in a dynamic, hands-on leadership role.
- Qualifications: Horticulture qualification and management experience in grounds or estate management.
WWT Slimbridge is a world-renowned wetland centre where wildlife and people connect. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Grounds Manager to lead our grounds team and help deliver our mission to restore wetlands, help wildlife thrive and inspire people. This is a key leadership role where you’ll combine practical expertise, strategic thinking and strong people management to ensure WWT Slimbridge grounds are maintained and developed to the highest standards, supporting both exceptional visitor experiences and thriving habitats.
You Will
- Lead and develop a skilled grounds team, including staff, volunteers and contractors
- Plan and deliver annual grounds maintenance programmes and improvement projects
- Enhance landscapes and habitats in line with conservation and visitor experience goals
- Ensure outstanding standards across all grounds, infrastructure and visitor areas
- Manage budgets, resources and contractors effectively and sustainably
- Play a key role in the Centre Management Team, including Duty Manager responsibilities
This is a hands-on leadership role where no two days are the same, from long-term planning and project delivery to supporting your team on the ground. This is a full-time position working 37.5 hours, 5 days in 7 including weekends and bank holidays.
About You
- A qualification in horticulture or landscaping
- Practical experience at management level
- Experience in the use of plant and machinery
- Strong experience in grounds or estate management, ideally within a visitor-focused site
- A proactive, solutions-focused and resourceful approach
- A passion for landscapes, nature and creating environments people love to visit
- Full current driving licence
Why you’ll love working at WWT
- Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world
- Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people
- 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want
- Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
- Free car parking and secure bike storage areas
- Colleague discount on shopping and memberships
- Cycle to work scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones
- Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme
WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.
Grounds Manager employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling role as a Storesperson at the iconic Edinburgh Zoo. With a strong commitment to wildlife conservation, RZSS fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing through generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive annual leave, and access to a healthcare plan. Employees also enjoy unique perks like free entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo, making it a rewarding place to grow professionally while contributing to a meaningful mission.
Contact Details:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds Manager
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Grounds Manager.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
