At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain beautiful gardens and landscapes at Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park.
- Company: Join the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a leading wildlife conservation charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days annual leave, healthcare plan, and discounts at our attractions.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife conservation while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: SVQ level 1 or equivalent experience in horticulture or landscaping.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ per year.
About us
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.
How you’ll contribute to our mission
The Groundsperson will assist in the maintenance of park gardens including the nursery and landscape, enclosure areas, facilities and infrastructure owned by the RZSS in line with the Gardens team’s procedures and ongoing site development plans in support of RZSS’ vision and mission. They will provide 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:
- Assist with the daily maintenance of the sites gardens and landscapes to agreed standards, e.g. keeping gardens, grounds and landscaping clean, in good state of repair to agreed standards and supporting construction projects, e.g. new enclosures.
- Assist with the co-ordination of a range of horticultural activities (e.g. maintaining appearance of grounds, up-keep of the lawns, pathways, entrances of site, leaf sweeping, weeding, grass cutting and sweeping the perimeters) 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.
- Recommend to your manager cost-effective opportunities to minimise the impact of your department and RZSS’ operations on the environment.
- Provide supporting role to Events Team regarding special event set up and taken down.
What we’re looking for:
- You’ll have a relevant SVQ level 1 qualification or equivalent qualification or experience.
- Have a basic understanding of horticultural practice.
- Practical experience in a horticultural and or landscaping activity.
- Able to demonstrate and set a good example of health and safety practice to others.
What you’ll get in return:
- Starting pro-rated salary of £23.
- 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), that provide 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice.
- Employer contributory pension scheme.
- You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoos across the UK.
Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria. 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. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act.
Groundsperson in Edinburgh employer: Edinburgh Zoo
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to wildlife conservation while working in the beautiful settings of Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits including 34 days of annual leave, access to a healthcare plan, and a contributory pension scheme, all within a supportive work culture that values personal growth and environmental stewardship.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundsperson 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 Groundsperson 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 Groundsperson.
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.
