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
✨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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Zoo; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Gardener in Edinburgh
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 Edinburgh 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 Gardener.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Zoo a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Zoo might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
