Hawk Conservancy Trust
Closing date for applications is: 28th Feb 2025
Are you an experienced horticulturalist ready to discover a new challenge? This might be just the role for you. If you are a dedicated and enthusiastic horticulturalist who’s eager to make a difference in the world and gain diverse experience, then we can offer you a unique opportunity leading a small friendly team of volunteers.
At the Hawk Conservancy Trust, we are looking for someone to transform the Trust’s landscaping and grounds to become as much a part of our visitors’ experience as our flying displays. Part of this will include creating and promoting the Trust’s horticultural features as an integral part of the educational experience. It will also include working with our Bird Team and Conservation & Research departments in the provision of enriched habitats for our resident birds. There is wide scope for creativity and development of showcase features for the Trust’s visitors.
About the Hawk Conservancy Trust
The Hawk Conservancy is an award-winning visitor attraction and conservation charity dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey. The Trust has already enjoyed considerable success over the last 60 years and is ranked a top attraction in Hampshire according to TripAdvisor. We are fortunate to be situated on a stunning 22-acre park with a range of habitats including our wildflower meadow and woodlands. Our reputation for a warm welcome and passion for our birds and our visitors is central to our success.
Main duties and responsibilities:
* To contribute to developing the profile of the Trust as a world class visitor attraction, creatively highlighting the grounds as a key element of the appeal to visitors
* To support the conservation mission of the Trust by showcasing the ways in which horticulture can boost the natural world
* To provide expertise in horticultural design to create stimulating and visually appealing environments for our resident birds
* To manage and balance strategic projects involving horticultural development and grounds maintenance
* To aim for adoption or creation of best practice approaches in all aspects of the Trust’s operations, including continual improvements in sustainability and onsite biodiversity
* To work within approved budgets
* To ensure the park runs smoothly and professionally
* To ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and Zoo Licensing regulations
* To effectively develop the teamwork of the Hawk Conservancy Trust
Responsible for:
* Leading the development and implementation of a strategic plan for the horticultural appeal of the Hawk Conservancy Trust, incorporating educational showcases for visitors to emulate in support the Trust’s conservation mission.
* Creating and implementing a proactive maintenance plan to ensure the grounds and horticulture are kept to high standards and in line with Health & Safety regulations.
* Contributing to horticultural and landscaping components of aviary design or other attraction elements.
* Collaborating with the Head of Living Collection and team members on developing enclosures and on arena and aviary maintenance.
* Collaborating with the Education and C&R departments to align with their objectives within the site.
* Managing and supervising volunteers, students and work groups engaged in gardening and grounds management. Managing and supervising suppliers and contractors as needed.
* Participating in the winter refurbishment and maintenance programme as able.
* Collaborating with the marketing team on promotion of horticultural features, such as press releases, news stories, social media, and other activities.
Person Specification
* Someone who combines practical experience in horticulture with appropriate qualifications, at least RHS Level 2 Diploma in horticulture or equivalent
* Passionate about plants, horticulture and working towards the Trust’s conservation mission
* Creative, open to new ideas and able to envisage developing a range of landscape types from wildflower meadows and natural habitats to more formal gardens
* Highly knowledgeable about plants, pruning, weeding and arboriculture
* Flexible and willing to accommodate non-traditional work patterns and interruptions
* Collaborative, able to work and communicate with colleagues across the Trust
* Able to manage and work with volunteers
* A full driving licence holder
* Competent with garden machinery, including tractors, and working at heights
* Up to date in understanding of health and safety regulations and best practice
* Enthusiastic & self-motivated
* Someone with an eye for detail, have high standards and an ability to organise diverse projects
* Energetic and willing to work outside in all weather conditions
* Resilient, trustworthy and have high level of integrity
* Committed to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices
* Chain saw certificate
* Pond management
* Adept with DIY power tools
* Experience working at a visitor attraction or conservation organisation
Apply for this job:
Submit a CV together with a covering letter, noting the role for which you are applying, to hr@hawkconservancy.org or by post to Human Resources, Hawk Conservancy Trust, Visitor Centre, Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hants SP11 8DY
Closing date for applicants: rolling process with interviews starting from mid-February
Please Note:
* The position is subject to DBS and reference checks
* Due to the location, it is important to have your own transport
* The role involves physically demanding activities
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