Job opportunities

Horticulturalist

Horticulturalist 
(Full-Time, Permanent)

About the Role:
The Big Cat Sanctuary is seeking a dedicated Horticulturalist to manage and maintain the site’s gardens and grounds. This hands-on role covers a wide range of horticultural tasks, including lawn care, planting, pruning, and supporting specialist projects like habitat enrichment. The post holder will work independently and as part of a team, contributing to a safe, tidy, and visually outstanding environment for staff, visitors, and animals.

A proactive, flexible approach is essential—this role includes weekend and Bank Holiday work, and demands a high standard of personal presentation and compliance with Health & Safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Maintain all grounds and gardens including lawns, beds, planters, baskets, and nursery areas
•    Carry out horticultural tasks: planting, weeding, watering, pruning, soil prep, lawn care, etc.
•    Operate and maintain horticultural machinery (mowers, strimmers, leaf blowers) and hand tools
•    Support habitat enrichment planting and horticultural design projects
•    Assist with gritting, snow clearing, and general site upkeep
•    Work with other departments, including the Building & Maintenance and Keeper teams
•    Ensure safe, secure handling of tools, equipment, and facilities
•    Engage positively with visitors and support the Sanctuary’s public-facing image
•    Participate in planning and implementing new planting schemes
•    Support budget planning and effective resource use for horticultural projects
•    Maintain compliance with H&S and environmental legislation
•    Attend training, meetings, and practice emergency procedures as required
•    Report problems constructively, suggesting solutions and improvements

Your Skills & Experience:
Essential
•    Experience in horticulture or grounds maintenance
•    Knowledge of garden tools, machinery, and safety practices
•    Able to work independently and within a team
•    High attention to detail and time management skills
•    Physically fit, tidy in appearance, and committed to Health & Safety
•    Comfortable engaging with the public
•    Full driving license and access to own vehicle is essential as BCS is not accessible by public transport
•    In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK or must obtain permits to work in the UK prior to application (documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process
Desirable
•    Experience in project planning or themed garden development
•    Understanding of habitat enrichment for animals
•    Familiarity with working in a visitor attraction, conservation, or zoo setting

The position is offered on a full-time basis, 5 days per week (generally 08.00-17.00)

In return, you will receive:
•    Competitive starting salary
•    28 days holiday (including Bank Holidays), plus Christmas Day as standard
•    Full staff uniform
•    A range of staff discounts/benefits