Job opportunities

Horticulturalist

Horticulturalist - Full-time, Permanent
Do you want your horticultural skills to make a real difference – not just to landscapes, but to animals, visitors and conservation?
Hertfordshire Zoo is home to over 500 animals and a passionate team dedicated to creating an exceptional environment where wildlife, people and nature thrive together. We’re now looking for an experienced, hands‑on Horticulturalist to join our team and help shape the gardens, grounds and living landscapes that support both animal wellbeing and visitor experience.
This is a varied and rewarding role within a dynamic, conservation‑driven zoo, where no two days are the same. You’ll work across the entire site – from visitor‑facing gardens and pathways to planted animal habitats – helping ensure every planted area is safe, engaging, and maintained to a high standard.

The Role
As part of the Horticulture team, you’ll carry out a wide range of practical horticultural tasks, contributing to daily grounds maintenance as well as longer‑term habitat and landscaping projects. Your work will play a key part in supporting animal enrichment, enhancing habitats, and creating attractive spaces for our visitors.
You’ll work both independently and collaboratively and regularly liaise with teams across the zoo, including Animal Keepers, Maintenance and Visitor Operations. This role suits someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in their work, and thrives in a busy, hands‑on environment.

Key Responsibilities
Grounds & Garden Maintenance

• Maintain lawns, gardens, themed planting areas, animal enclosures, pathways and visitor landscapes across the zoo
• Carry out planting, pruning, watering, mulching, soil preparation and weed control
• Ensure consistently high standards of presentation, safety and site appearance

Animal Habitats & Enrichment

• Support planting schemes that encourage natural animal behaviours
• Select and maintain animal‑safe, sustainable plant species
• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of planted animal habitats

Machinery & Tools

• Safely operate and maintain horticultural machinery and tools, including ride‑on mowers, strimmers, hedge cutters, leaf blowers and hand tools
• Carry out basic equipment maintenance and follow all Health & Safety procedures

Seasonal & Project Work

• Support seasonal displays and themed horticultural projects
• Contribute ideas toward long‑term horticultural improvements across the site

Collaboration & Visitor Engagement

• Support general site upkeep such as leaf clearance and seasonal works
• Work positively with colleagues and volunteers across departments
• Confidently and professionally engage with visitors when required

Health, Safety & Sustainability

• Adhere to all Health & Safety policies and safe working practices
• Report hazards or issues promptly and help identify practical solutions
• Support environmentally responsible and sustainable horticultural practices

Essential Requirements

• Practical experience in horticulture, landscaping or grounds maintenance
• Good knowledge of plants, seasonal care and horticultural techniques
• Experience using horticultural tools and machinery safely and effectively
• A proactive, hands‑on approach with strong attention to detail
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Friendly, professional manner when interacting with visitors
• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (site not accessible by public transport)
• Right to live and work in the UK (evidence required as part of recruitment)
• Desirable
• Experience working within a zoo, wildlife park or visitor attraction
• Knowledge of animal‑safe planting and habitat enrichment
• Understanding of plant toxicity in relation to animal care
• Relevant horticultural qualifications (e.g. RHS or equivalent)
• Nursery, propagation, seeding or cutting experience
• Telehandler, forklift or relevant plant equipment licences

What We Offer

• Salary: £26,325–£27,300 per annum (£13.50–£14.00 per hour), depending on experience
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week, worked 5 days over 7; Apr–Sept: 08:00–17:00; Oct–Mar: 08:00–16:00
• Holiday: 28 days plus Christmas Day (rising to 33 with service)
• Access to the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff discounts and benefits, including free access to UK and European zoos, regular team events, and eligibility for our Conservation Award, offering opportunities to visit global conservation partners
• Start date: ASAP