Job Role: Park Operative
Location: Mountpanther Farm Park, Clough, Co. Down
Reports to: Operations Manager and Managing Director
About Mountpanther Farm Park
Mountpanther Farm Park is a family-run open farm and visitor attraction, home to a wide variety of animals — from traditional farm breeds to exotics such as monkeys, lemurs, and wallabies. Set in the heart of the countryside near Dundrum, Co. Down, the park attracts families from across Northern Ireland for its hands-on experiences, outdoor play areas, and popular seasonal events like the Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Wonderland.
We're a small, hard-working team building something new every season — new enclosures, new attractions, new builds from the ground up. If you like the idea of a job where you're never sat still, always building or fixing something, and genuinely proud of what you've made by the end of the day, this is the role for you.
Role Overview
We're looking for a grafter — someone who's happiest with tools in hand, getting stuck into a physical day's work, and who takes pride in maintaining and building a park that thousands of families visit every year.
The Park Maintenance & Construction Operative is responsible for the physical upkeep of the park: fixing and building enclosures, constructing new attractions and features (climbing frames, fencing, grottos, event builds), general grounds and site maintenance, and operating tools and machinery. Animal care and visitor interaction are also part of the role, but they sit alongside — not instead of — the hands-on labour that makes up the bulk of the working day.
Expect heavy lifting, joinery, fencing, groundwork, and construction projects in all weathers. If that sounds like hard work — it is, and that's exactly what we need.
What We're Looking For
- A genuinely hard-working attitude. Someone who gets on with the job without needing to be chased, who isn't afraid of a physically demanding day, and who takes pride in a job well done.
- A strong work ethic. Reliable, punctual, self-motivated, and able to keep going through a full day of manual work — rain or shine.
- Manual labour and practical trade skills. Confident and experienced with hand tools, power tools, joinery, fencing, and general construction/DIY. Able to plan and build a project from scratch, not just follow instructions.
- Animal care. Comfortable and willing to feed, clean, and monitor animal welfare daily, and to maintain and repair enclosures — but as one part of a varied, physical role, not the main focus.
- Customer service. Friendly and approachable with visitors when the park is open, happy to help with queries or step into other duties like driving the deer safari.
Key Responsibilities
Construction, Maintenance & Grounds
- Build and maintain enclosures, fencing, play areas, and site infrastructure.
- Lead on or assist with construction projects — new climbing frames, event builds, seasonal features such as grottos and props.
- Carry out joinery, fencing, and general practical repairs across the site.
- Keep the site, signage, and visitor zones clean, safe, and well-presented.
- Carry out regular safety inspections and follow up with repairs.
- Operate tools and machinery confidently — drills, strimmers, tractors, quads, and similar equipment.
Animal Care
- Feed, clean, and monitor the welfare of all animals daily.
- Inspect fences, housing, and enclosures for damage and carry out repairs.
- Transport animals, supplies, or equipment as required (using company vehicle).
- Design and build enrichment features to improve animal welfare.
Visitor & Site Support
- When the park is open and maintenance can't be carried out, assist with other duties such as driving the deer safari.
- Speak positively and helpfully with customers while the park is open.
Essential Criteria
- Full driving licence and access to a car.
- Proven, hands-on experience with hand tools, power tools, and general maintenance or construction work.
- A strong track record of hard graft and reliability — this role suits someone used to physical, outdoor labour.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and see a project through from start to finish.
- Strong problem-solving and time management skills.
- Flexibility to adapt and take on other duties as needed.
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weathers, and carrying out heavy lifting.
- Creative mindset — keen to design and build new enclosure ideas or event features.
- Able to use a smartphone/computer to update online checklists, order supplies, and record daily tasks.
- Good customer service skills.
Salary
Starting pay is £13.50 per hour, with opportunities for increases based on performance and progression in the role.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £13.50-£15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
