At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful park gardens and landscapes while ensuring safety for visitors.
- Company: Join the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a leader in wildlife conservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare plan, and staff membership perks.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and to work with passionate teams.
- Why this job: Make a difference in nature while enjoying a vibrant work environment.
- Qualifications: SVQ level 2 in horticulture or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 27000 € per year.
The role involves the maintenance of park gardens including the nursery and landscape, enclosure areas, facilities and infrastructure owned by RZSS in line with the garden team’s procedures and ongoing site development plans in support of RZSS’ vision and mission. Providing high standards of general maintenance to ensure that all areas of the site are safe and well presented for our visitors.
Some of the things you’ll do:
- Undertake, as directed, the construction and maintenance of enclosures, gardens and landscaping to ensure that all areas of the site are safe and well presented for our visitors.
- Assist with the co-ordination of a wide range of horticultural activities (e.g. lawn care, mowing, strimming, blowing, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, weeding) and other general garden work that involve other sections and departments.
- Conduct routine cleaning, inspection and maintenance of assigned small plant and vehicles according to the agreed transport policy and best practice.
- Oversee the work of assigned colleagues (Grounds Person) and volunteers, giving appropriate coaching guidance and direction to ensure work is completed in an efficient, professional and timely manner.
- Take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and that of others, complying with safety rules and procedures.
What we’re looking for:
- You’ll have a relevant SVQ level 2 qualification in horticulture or equivalent qualification or experience.
- Be able to demonstrate horticultural competence with a variety of plant material.
- Have practical experience in horticultural and/or landscaping activity.
- Able to both work as part of a team, or on your own.
- Able to demonstrate and set a good example of health and safety practice to others.
What you’ll get in return:
- Starting salary between £24,000 and £25,000 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £27,000 per annum.
- 37.5hr working week (may require some weekend working).
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata).
- Discount in both retail/catering.
- Access to a healthcare plan.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice.
- Employer contributory pension scheme.
- Staff membership providing free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoos across the UK.
If this role excites you and aligns with your career aspirations, click APPLY now. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK and Basic Disclosure check. Please note that shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer, recruiting a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act.
Gardener in Edinburgh employer: Edinburgh Zoo
At RZSS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and personal growth. As a Gardener, you will enjoy competitive salary progression, generous annual leave, and access to unique benefits such as free entry to our wildlife parks for you and your family. Join us in creating beautiful spaces while contributing to our mission of conservation and education in a vibrant and engaging environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Gardener in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on RZSS and its garden team. Understanding their vision and mission will help you connect your skills to what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on experience! When chatting with the team, share specific examples of your past gardening or landscaping work. Highlight any projects where you’ve led a team or trained others – it’ll show you’re a natural fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss health and safety! Since this role involves ensuring safety in the workplace, come prepared with examples of how you’ve prioritised health and safety in your previous roles. It’ll demonstrate your commitment to keeping everyone safe.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in joining the RZSS family.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture:When writing your application, let your love for gardening and horticulture shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your skills and knowledge in maintaining gardens and landscapes. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating beautiful spaces!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight relevant qualifications, like your SVQ level 2 in horticulture, and any practical experience you have. This helps us see how you fit into our team and the role!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your background and skills.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at RZSS!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Zoo
✨Know Your Horticulture
Brush up on your knowledge of different plant materials and horticultural practices. Be ready to discuss your practical experience in landscaping and gardening, as well as any specific techniques you’ve used. This will show that you’re not just qualified but genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Safety First!
Since health and safety is a big part of the job, be prepared to talk about how you ensure safety in your work. Share examples of how you've identified hazards and followed safety protocols in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe environment for yourself and others.
✨Team Player Vibes
The role involves working with a team and overseeing volunteers, so highlight your teamwork skills. Think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with others or provided guidance. Showing that you can lead while also being a supportive team member will make you stand out.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the garden team’s procedures and ongoing site development plans. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to RZSS’s vision. Plus, it gives you a chance to assess if the workplace is the right fit for you.
