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- Tasks: Gain hands-on horticultural experience while working with diverse plant collections at Chester Zoo.
- Company: Chester Zoo is a leading wildlife charity focused on global conservation and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, monthly stipends, lunch vouchers, and comprehensive training.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact in conservation while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a passion for plants and relevant horticulture or plant science qualifications.
- Other info: Opportunities for bursaries available; placements can align with university sandwich years.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK\’s leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Plants Voluntary Work Placement – Flexible – Part time or full time voluntary work placement from September 2025
Do you have a passion for plants? Are you excited by the prospect of gaining invaluable work experience with our award-winning Plant teams and collections? Here at Chester Zoo, we have an exciting opportunity to work with a diverse collection of temperate and tropical plants as well as gaining and developing hands on horticultural experience.
Chester zoo has an international reputation for conservation breeding programmes, research, and education, and these work placement opportunities are practical in nature with some theoretical input.
What you\’ll be doing…
- Working with an extensive temperate outdoor plant collection across the Chester Zoo site
- Gaining practical experience of the seasonal work to maintain herbaceous and shrub species
- Horticultural maintenance of feature gardens areas, including rock garden, wildlife gardens, woodland gardens alongside themed planted areas replicating geographic areas including \”Islands\”, \”Madagascar\” and the newly opened \”Heart of Africa\”
- Supporting the maintenance of interior landscapes within the visitor access able areas of the indoor animal habitats.
- Involvement in horticultural development projects being undertaken on the zoo site.
- Working with a diverse collection of tropical plants, including the five National Plant collections that are cultivated in the greenhouses.
- Be involved in growing plants as part of the UK plant conservation projects that the zoo is involved in.
- Gaining experience and training in plant propagation, potting on, watering of a wide range of plants in a greenhouse or polytunnel.
- Attending monthly workshops, arranged to teach other Zoological management topics including basics of nutrition, collection planning, breeding programmes, conservation programmes, record keeping, enrichment, etc.
In the Nursery Team you will grow and propagate a wide range of rare, endangered, tropical, an hardy plants for our gardens, our conservation work, animal enclosures, animal houses, etc.
The Work Placement
- Voluntary work placement for a minimum of 6 months commencing in September 2025
- Comprehensive practical training covering a wide range of subjects, aiming to promote your future employability
- Full uniform provided, along with lunch vouchers for the days you attend
- Monthly stipends of up to £120 per month may be payable based on appropriate expenses
- This placement is from 24-40 hours per week worked over a minimum of 3 days. We are flexible to accommodate part-time hours for the right candidate.
- The Plants teams typically work 5 days out of 7, working an average of 8 hours per day, between the hours of 7am and 4.20pm (start and finish times vary with the season).
Our Requirements
- Have a passion for growing plants.
- Interest in all aspects of horticulture and the work of Chester Zoo
- Studying for, or have completed, a Horticulture or plant science related course at miniumum Level 2 NVQ, HND or above. In some cases, students from other related courses (e.g. Zoology or Geography) will be considered
- Able to work and communicate effectively within a team as well as well as on your own initiative.
- Ability to financially support yourself for the entire length of the placement.
Please note: This is a physical role that involves outdoor working in all weather conditions. It will also involve heavy lifting, operating machinery and being on your feet for long periods.
There are limited number of placements that may provide the opportunity to combine your work placement with a \’sandwich year\’ at University, if this is something you are looking for, please specify this on your application form. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation and encourage applications from all backgrounds. You may be able to apply for a small number of bursaries of up to £4,000 available to support those who may face significant financial barriers to their studies, research and career development.
Interested in applying?
To apply for this opportunity, click the \’apply for job\’ button on this page where you\’ll need to complete on online application form, and upload your CV and cover letter highlighting your skills and why you believe you should be considered for this Plants Voluntary Work Placement.
Applications from individuals living outside of the UK are welcome, but you will be expected to fund your own travel and relocation costs if successful.
More about us…
Chester Zoo is a major wildlife charity that\’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we\’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it\’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo, and we prevent extinction.
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Plants Voluntary Work Placement employer: Chester Zoo
Contact Detail:
Chester Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Plants Voluntary Work Placement
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for plants and horticulture during any informal conversations or networking opportunities. Engage with current volunteers or staff at Chester Zoo to learn more about their experiences and express your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Chester Zoo's conservation projects and plant collections. Being knowledgeable about their work will not only impress during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider volunteering or gaining experience in similar horticultural settings before applying. This hands-on experience can provide you with valuable skills and insights that will make you a more attractive candidate for the placement.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your ability to work in various weather conditions and your physical fitness for the role. Highlight any previous experiences that showcase your resilience and adaptability in outdoor environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Plants Voluntary Work Placement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in horticulture or plant science. Include any coursework, projects, or volunteer work that demonstrates your passion for plants and horticultural skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Plants Voluntary Work Placement. Mention specific aspects of Chester Zoo's work that excite you and explain how your background aligns with their mission and values.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills that are particularly relevant to the role, such as teamwork, communication, and physical stamina. If you have experience with heavy lifting or operating machinery, be sure to mention it.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you complete the online application form accurately and upload all required documents. Double-check that your CV and cover letter are included before hitting submit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Show Your Passion for Plants
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for horticulture and plants during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects you've worked on that demonstrate your love for growing plants, as this role is all about passion.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any relevant coursework or practical experience you have in horticulture or plant science. If you've worked on similar projects or have hands-on experience with plant propagation, be sure to mention these to showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working within a team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles or projects. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and work well both independently and as part of a team.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the placement and Chester Zoo's conservation efforts. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission.
