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- Tasks: Care for stunning landscapes and manage tree stock at Chester Zoo.
- Company: Chester Zoo, a leading conservation charity dedicated to wildlife protection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and contribute to vital conservation efforts while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in arboriculture or horticulture and a love for nature.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a passionate and skilled Arboriculturist to join our dedicated Collections team and help bring Chester Zoo’s mission to life. In this hands‑on role, you’ll play a vital part in caring for our remarkable living landscapes — from gardens and glasshouses to tropical houses, car parks and our nature reserve — ensuring they thrive for both plants and people.
Using an evidence‑based approach, you’ll apply modern arboricultural and plant management practices, with a strong understanding of the conservation importance of the taxa in your care. You’ll help maintain and develop our diverse sites to the highest standards, creating safe, inspiring and welcoming environments for our visitors, while meeting the complex needs of a world‑class plant collection.
A key part of the role will be managing the Zoo’s extensive tree stock and ensuring it meets essential health and safety standards — all while contributing to the wider conservation work of a charity that’s working to protect wildlife and nature for the future.
The Role
- Undertake tree works including felling, climbing, pollarding.
- Produce a high‑quality finish using chainsaws, chippers, Mewps, excavators, tractors, garden machinery and hand tools.
- Maintain and develop Chester Zoo’s gardens, car parks, nature reserve, Halo land estate and tropical houses to the required standard, with an emphasis on meeting both the plants and visitors’ needs in display areas.
The Package
Hours of work are 40 hours per week, worked 10 days out of 14, including weekends.
Arboriculturist/ Horticulturist - Projects in Chester employer: Chester Zoo
Contact Detail:
Chester Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Arboriculturist/ Horticulturist - Projects in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow horticulturists and arboriculturists on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of your work, whether it’s photos of gardens you’ve designed or trees you’ve managed, bring it along to interviews. We want to see your passion in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for hands-on assessments. For roles like Arboriculturist, you might be asked to demonstrate your tree management skills. Brush up on your techniques and be ready to impress us with your practical knowledge!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at Chester Zoo.
We think you need these skills to ace Arboriculturist/ Horticulturist - Projects in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for arboriculture and horticulture shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about plants and conservation, so share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your dedication.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Arboriculturist/Horticulturist. Highlight your skills in tree management, plant care, and any hands-on experience you've had. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at Chester Zoo!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention specific aspects of the job description that excite you and how you can contribute to our living landscapes. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your knowledge of different plant species and their care requirements. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed plant collections in the past, especially in a conservation context.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your hands-on skills with tools like chainsaws and garden machinery. If possible, bring along any relevant certifications or training records to show your expertise in arboriculture and horticulture.
✨Understand the Mission
Familiarise yourself with Chester Zoo’s mission and conservation efforts. Be prepared to explain how your role as an Arboriculturist fits into their broader goals and how you can contribute to protecting wildlife and nature.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team, projects, and challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
