At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain stunning gardens and planted areas at our zoo.
- Company: Join a world-class zoo dedicated to conservation and horticulture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare plan, gym discounts, and free zoo visits.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in plant conservation while working in a beautiful environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 27500 £ per year.
This is a key role working as a Horticulturist based on our busy Gardens team within our Plants department.
As a Horticulturist on the Gardens team you will assist with the maintenance of the feature gardens and planted areas across the zoo site and some of the indoor plantings within our tropical houses.
You will contribute to the team maintaining an excellent standard of horticulture, essential for this world-class visitor attraction.
The Gardens Team is part of the wider Plants department which manages all of the zoo’s horticultural features, gardens and greenhouses in our 125 acre site, including five National Plant Collections and a Nature Reserve.
We aim to create the greatest possible conservation impact for plants as well as animals.
- The Package
- Full time, permanent position based on 40 hours per week, working 10 days in 14, including weekends and bank holidays as rostered.
Summer operations are normally from 7.00am – 4.00pm, and winter operations are normally from 8.00am – 4.00.
- 33 days annual leave per year (pro rata)
- Salary of £27,500 per annum
- Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends
- Access to healthcare plan
- Discounted gym membership
- Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
- Pension scheme with generous employer contributions.
- Our Requirements
- Have a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in a Horticultural subject or equivalent experience.
- Proven practical experience in horticulture, preferably working within a garden environment.
- Good plant knowledge.
- Have experience with the use of horticultural machinery.
- Have an understanding of environmental and conservation issues and a passion for wildlife.
- Be hardworking, reliable and work well in a team.
- Have excellent communications skills to engage with our visitors
- Ideally hold a full driving licence valid in the UK.
- Ideally hold a PA1 & PA6 spraying certificate.
Closing date for applications is 19 November 2026.
We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications.
We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.
Horticulturist - Gardens employer: Chester-Zoo
Chester Zoo is not just a leading visitor attraction; it's a vibrant community of passionate conservationists dedicated to making a difference in wildlife preservation. With a unique working environment surrounded by stunning gardens and incredible animals, employees enjoy a collaborative culture that prioritises professional growth and development. The zoo offers generous benefits, including a healthcare plan, annual leave, and opportunities for career advancement, making it an exceptional place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticulturist - Gardens
✨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 Chester-Zoo.
✨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 Chester-Zoo.
✨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 Chester-Zoo; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Horticulturist - Gardens
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 Chester-Zoo.
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 Horticulturist - Gardens.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Chester-Zoo 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 Chester-Zoo a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester-Zoo
✨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 Chester-Zoo might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
