Job opportunities

Horticulture Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new Horticulture Manager to join the team here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo Colwyn Bay. We are one of North Wale's most unique visitor attractions where sweeping landscapes, rare species, and conservation-led values all come together as part of Our Mission - To Bring Conservation to Life.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leading and Developing the Team

• Leading and inspiring your team of gardeners and volunteers, ensuring they have the tools, technical training, support, and resources to deliver safe, functional, and well-presented habitats, gardens, woodland areas, and public spaces
• Coaching your team to bring out the best in them, supporting their development, guiding them through change, and enabling them to be part of a high performing team
• Completing recruitment, appraisals, performance discussions, absence management and team meetings
• Actively promoting our mission and the broader value of zoos in conservation and education

Coordination and Planning

• Supporting the longer term development and expansion of our zoo estate, positively shaping our plans, and supporting their implementation
• Working pro-actively with the Animal Keeping and Estate teams to plan the longer term propagation, greenhouse planting and sourcing of specialist plants/flower species to support natural habitat design, seasonal garden, and zoned conservation displays
• Designing and implement seasonal planting, decorative floral displays, and specialist animal habitat horticulture features
• Managing the regular review, servicing and replacement of all horticulture equipment
• Managing all routine hedge, edge and grass cutting duties delivered through the in house team/external contractors
• Continually developing and implementing eco-friendly practices including water-efficient irrigation, composting, and native plant cultivation into all garden, habitat and woodland designs and plans
• Ensuring systems and structures are in place to monitor plant health and to address issues using integrated pest management (IPM) techniques
• Ensuring effective systems and structures are in place to monitor and oversee tree safety and health
• Managing browse collection and distribution for animal diets, ensuring a sustainable and appropriate supply of plant material for various species
• Delivering all work in line with our budgets and policies and procedures including our Animal Welfare, GDPR, Health and Safety, Security, Finance, People, and Volunteering arrangements

Deliver Excellent Guest Experience

• Role modelling courteous, professional, and informative guest service
• Addressing and resolving informal guest complaints; appropriately escalating when necessary
• Improving guests experience through staff training, signage, talks, and presentations
• Performing duty manager cover (on a rota basis)

Ensure Safety and Compliance

• Maintaining high standards of H&S ensuring full compliance with our policies and procedures
• Managing the team during drills and emergencies, always prioritising guest and staff safety
• Conducting risk assessments and safety audits, implementing and monitoring improvements
• Reporting all health and safety incidents in an accurate and timely manner
• Ensuring all staff and volunteers have appropriate PPE and are trained in safety procedures

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Qualifications

• As a minimum holds a level 2 qualification in landscaping and horticulture i.e. RHS level 2 qualification, or a Bachelors Degree in horticulture, landscaping, or a related field
• Good standard of secondary education including GCSEs Maths and English

Skills

• Holds practical skills in planting, pruning, tree management, and landscaping and gardening practices
• Has excellent IT skills (for record management, emails, spreadsheet updates)
• Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Knowledge

• Possesses a strong working knowledge of native, tropical and exotic plant species, soil health, irrigation, and pest control practices
• Familiar with sustainable horticulture practices including composting, water conservation, and propagation
• Understands the importance of maintaining compliance with animal welfare standards and safety protocols

Experience

• Significant hands on experience of planning and managing large scale horticulture/landscaping activities in botanic gardens, large parks/estate grounds, or visitor attractions
• Promoting wildlife and conservation messages in garden/park/woodland settings
• Managing H&S risk assessments and safe operating procedures
• Proven leadership, line management, and coaching experience
• Working outdoors performing a rage of physical tasks in all weather conditions
• Efficient and cost effective management of contractors and suppliers

Key behaviours (competencies) for the role

• Leading and Supervising
• Planning and Organising
• Adapting and Responding to Change

PERKS AND BENEFITS

As well as working with our wonderful animals and amazing team in one of the most beautiful visitor attractions in North Wales, we also provide access to:

• training and development opportunities
• free family admission to our zoo
• free uniform
• free staff parking
• our Employee Assistance Wellbeing Programme
• discounts in our restaurant, gift shop, and sweet shop
• holiday scheme which increases with service up to 33 days*
• company sick pay*
• our pension scheme*                                                         *After qualifying service