Groundsperson in Edinburgh

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.

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 £23,868.
• 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 2010.