Gardener

The role

To undertake the maintenance of park gardens including the nursery and landscape, enclosure areas, facilities and infrastructure owned by RZSS in line with the garden team’s procedures and ongoing site development plans in support of RZSS’ vision and mission. Providing 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:

• Undertake, as directed, the construction and maintenance of enclosures, gardens and landscaping to ensure that all areas of the site are safe and well presented for our visitors.
• Assist with the co-ordination of a wide range of horticultural activities (e.g. lawn care, mowing, strimming, blowing, hedge trimming, planting, pruning, weeding) and another general garden work 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.
• Oversee the work of assigned colleagues (Grounds Person) and volunteers, giving appropriate coaching guidance and direction to ensure work is completed in an efficient, professional and timely manner
• To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and that of others. This implies taking positive steps to understand the hazards in the workplace, to comply with safety rules and procedures and to ensure that nothing you do, or fail to do, puts yourself or others at risk.

What we’re looking for:

• You’ll have a relevant SVQ level 2 qualification in horticulture or equivalent qualification or experience.
• Be able to demonstrate horticultural competence with a variety of plant material.
• Have practical experience in a horticultural and or landscaping activity.
• Able to both work as part of a team, or on your own.
• Able to demonstrate and set a good example of health and safety practice to others.

Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria.

What you’ll get in return:

• Starting salary between £24,896 or £25,516 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £27,749per annum
• 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 Zoo’s across the UK.

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.