Wild Planet Trust - Paignton Zoo
South West
Closing date for applications is: 6th Nov 2024
Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in southwest 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. Over 230 species of animal call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we are also an award winning botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Team Leader to join our Botanics team on a permanent contract. This is a full time role working 38.75 hours over 5 days, working hours will vary over a 7 day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is £31,212.35 per annum.
What will this role involve?
You will be responsible for supporting the maintenance and development of the Botanical collection to maximise its contribution to our goals of conservation, education and research whilst delivering a first-class zoological and visitor attraction landscape. This includes leading a team of gardeners in all aspects of people management and daily planning and supervision of horticultural work required for maintaining a complex and diverse landscape such as Paignton Zoo. NVQ3, ND or above in Horticulture or a closely related field and 4 years of professional gardening experience, preferably within a high-quality horticultural establishment open to visitors. You will be competent in using a wide range of horticultural machinery. Relevant competency tickets are desirable in spraying, tractor driving and chainsaw use/ tree felling.
What skills and experience are required?
The successful candidate will have a relevant qualification and significant experience working in a large public garden, Zoo or similar environment at a senior level. You will have excellent communication skills and a proven track record of leading teams, including in all aspects of Health and Safety (risk assessments, safe systems of work, and safety culture). You will have good IT and record-keeping skills. You will also have a broad knowledge of garden management, landscape planting design and digital plant record-keeping systems. We are looking for an exceptional individual with a positive and enthusiastic outlook who can adapt to change, motivate the team and lead them to work to a high standard.
Benefits of joining our team include:
1. 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays) Company sick pay
2. Branded uniform provided (as required)
3. Relevant internal and external training provided
4. Free entry to our zoos for staff and immediate family
5. Complimentary tickets
6. Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
7. Employee Assistance Programme
8. Employee discounts platform
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.
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