Job opportunities

Gardener

Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in south west England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff. 

 

Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Over 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also an award-winning botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record. 

 

We have an exciting opportunity for a Gardener to join our Botanics team on a permanent contract. This is a part time role working 31 hours over 4 days, with rota weekend and bank holiday duties. The salary for this position is £19,875.96 – £20,988.24 per annum (Experience related scale).

 

What will this role involve?

You will be part of a dedicated horticultural team responsible for caring for the botanical collection and grounds at Paignton Zoo. As a member of this team, you will maintain the collection to maximise its contribution to our objectives of conservation, education, and research while working to uphold a first-class zoological and visitor attraction.

This hands-on, physical role requires a range of practical horticultural techniques, machinery skills, and knowledge of plants. The ideal candidate must be able to work efficiently, demonstrating strong attention to detail and an eye for presentation.  Your enthusiasm for horticulture will enable you to engage with zoo visitors, providing them with insight into the work of the Botanics Team and the wider organisational objectives.

What skills and experience are required?

The successful candidate will have a minimum level 2 horticultural qualification and prior practical experience, preferably in a professional horticultural establishment open to visitors. Relevant competency tickets in spraying, tractor driving, and brush cutting are desirable. Candidates should be able to demonstrate all necessary craft gardening skills required for maintaining a horticultural landscape. Experience in working to a high standard of Health and Safety (risk assessments, safe systems of work, and safety culture). You will have good IT and record-keeping skills, preferably including knowledge of botanical plant records database systems. We are looking for an exceptional gardener with a positive and enthusiastic outlook who is committed to working in the historic botanical and zoological sector.

Benefits of joining our team include: 

·         33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays) 

·         Branded uniform provided (as required) 

·         Relevant internal and external training provided including First Aid and Mental Health First Aid

·         Free entry to our zoos for staff and family 

·         Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable) 

·         Free staff parking 

·         Employee Assistance Programme 

·         Opportunities to join our Firearms team (subject to conditions)

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.