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- Tasks: Lead a team to create stunning landscapes and manage themed planting schemes.
- Company: Join West Midlands Safari Park, a unique environment focused on wildlife conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy outdoor work, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape immersive experiences for guests while supporting animal welfare and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture and team management is essential.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic setting with animals and participate in seasonal events.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Our Wildly Talented Team — Become Head Gardener at the West Midlands Safari Park
Do you dream in planting schemes and find joy in curating lush, living landscapes? Can you lead a green-fingered team to create awe-inspiring environments that captivate guests and support wildlife conservation? If so, West Midlands Safari Park is calling.
We’re seeking a passionate and experienced Head Gardener to oversee our expansive and themed horticultural spaces. From exotic planting around enclosures to immersive guest walkways and seasonal event displays, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the look and feel of our wild world.
This is more than just gardening—it’s habitat enrichment, climate-aware design, and storytelling through nature. If you\’re excited by the idea of working in a unique, dynamic environment where giraffes graze and lemurs leap within view of your handiwork, we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Services
Full-time, Permanent
Role Profile
To lead the horticultural vision and daily operations of the park’s landscaped and themed environments, ensuring they enhance the guest experience, support animal welfare, and reflect the park’s conservation values. The Head Gardener will manage a team to deliver high standards of presentation, sustainability, and innovation across all green spaces.
Key Responsibilities
- Landscape & Habitat Management
- Maintain and develop themed planting schemes that complement animal habitats and guest areas.
- Collaborate with animal care teams to ensure plantings are safe, enriching, and appropriate for species on site.
- Oversee the upkeep of lawns, borders, enclosures, and water features.
- Supervise and mentor a team of gardeners, apprentices, and volunteers.
- Plan and delegate daily tasks, seasonal projects, and long-term improvements.
Ensure safe working practices and compliance with health and safety regulations.
Guest Experience & Presentation
- Ensure all public-facing areas are visually appealing and well-maintained year-round.
- Support seasonal events with themed displays (e.g. Halloween, Christmas).
- Respond to feedback and adapt planting schemes to enhance visitor satisfaction.
Sustainability & Innovation
- Promote eco-friendly practices such as composting, water conservation, and pollinator planting.
- Trial new plant species and techniques suited to changing climate conditions.
- Contribute to the park’s biodiversity and conservation goals.
Budget & Resource Management
- Manage horticultural budgets, procurement, and stock control.
- Maintain tools, machinery, and irrigation systems.
Working Conditions
- Outdoor work in all weather conditions across a large, dynamic site
- Occasional weekend or evening work for events or emergencies
- Physical tasks including lifting, digging, and machinery use
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Head gardener employer: West Midland Safari Park
Contact Detail:
West Midland Safari Park Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural practices and conservation efforts at West Midlands Safari Park. Understanding their unique approach to landscaping and habitat management will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the horticulture and wildlife conservation sectors. Attend relevant events or workshops where you can meet people who might have insights into the park's culture and expectations for the Head Gardener role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss innovative gardening techniques and sustainability practices that you've implemented in previous roles. Highlighting your experience with eco-friendly methods will resonate well with the park's commitment to conservation.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. The ability to mentor and inspire a team of gardeners is crucial for this position, so be ready to illustrate your approach to team management.
We think you need these skills to ace Head gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and expectations of the Head Gardener position. Highlight your relevant experience in landscape management, team leadership, and sustainability practices.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your horticultural expertise and any previous roles that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Emphasise your experience in managing teams and enhancing guest experiences through landscaping.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gardening and conservation. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and create engaging environments for both guests and wildlife.
Showcase Your Vision: In your application, express your vision for the park's horticultural spaces. Discuss innovative ideas you have for themed planting schemes and how they can enhance the guest experience while supporting animal welfare.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Midland Safari Park
✨Show Your Passion for Horticulture
Make sure to express your genuine love for gardening and landscape design. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your creativity and commitment to enhancing environments, especially in relation to wildlife conservation.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership Skills
As a Head Gardener, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing and mentoring others. Highlight any successful projects where you collaborated with a team to achieve a common goal, particularly in a horticultural setting.
✨Emphasise Sustainability Practices
Given the role's focus on eco-friendly practices, come equipped with ideas on how to implement sustainable gardening techniques. Discuss your knowledge of composting, water conservation, and biodiversity, and how these can enhance the park's conservation goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, such as dealing with adverse weather conditions or plant diseases, and how you overcame them while maintaining high standards of presentation.
