Job Overview
Gardener/ Groundskeeper (Permanent)
40hrs per week, 5 days out of 7, 8am – 5pm (1hr lunch)
Flexibility required, the role will require some weekend and Bank holiday working
£13.02ph
This Gardening role is part of a small team and will assist our Lead Groundskeeper and Zoo Director to deliver projects.
If you have a genuine interest in gardening and horticulture surrounded by animals every day and be confronted with problems and puzzles unlike others you have seen before, working at Northumberland Zoo is the place for you. We partake in numerous conservation projects both local and abroad, so this is a rare opportunity for someone to help us directly contribute towards and help increase our conservation efforts.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
We grow our own flowers and vegetables to feed our animals; we also produce our own hay. We are looking for an efficient, safety conscious gardener with some experience; the role will be varied and include the following:
- Working as a proactive member of a small team ensuring that the Zoo grounds and animal habitats look their best all year round
- Growing vegetables and flowers in our poly tunnel and surrounding outdoor areas
- Landscaping, mowing, planting, strimming, weeding and groundwork
- Some DIY skills and ability to drive Zoo vehicles and operate machinery & equipment
Skills and Experience
- Previous experience of working in a similar role or have relevant qualifications (Horticulture NVQ/RHS L2)
- Experience of gardening and growing vegetables with a genuine interest in gardening and conservation
- Good knowledge of plant horticulture/processes and good plant identification skills
- Competent at grass cutting on a riding lawn mower
- Experience of managing greenhouse/poly tunnels & plant propagation is an advantage
- Practical ability to use and maintain horticultural power tools
- Must have an awareness of how to work around animals (with regards to noise, unfamiliar vehicles, movements and activities), ensuring that their welfare is your main consideration when carrying out your gardening duties
- Self-disciplined and organised with the ability to manage your time efficiently
- Demonstrate commitment to biodiversity
- No two days are the same at the Zoo and we need someone who is flexible and a team player, prepared for whatever is happening that day
- Have the ability to solve problems and adhere to health and safety guidelines
- Used to working outside in all weather conditions; as well as physically fit as this role includes a lot of walking, bending and lifting various weights
- Must be comfortable working some weekends as well as bank holidays on a rota with the rest of the team
General
- Full driver's license and access to a vehicle is essential due to the rural setting of the zoo
- Adhere to Zoo policies at all times
- Cooperate with other Zoo departments
- Attend training courses as required to meet the requirements of the role
- Take responsibility for own personal development, seeking out opportunities to learn new skills
- Flexibility, wiling to undertake any other duties as requested by management which are reasonably deemed to be within the scope of the role
- Working on a rota including weekends and Bank Holidays, 5 days out of 7, 8am – 5pm (1hr lunch) 40 hours per week
Benefits
- Hourly rate £13.02 per hour
- 40 hours per week across 5 days on a rota, includes weekends and bank holidays
- 28 days holiday (including BHs) rising by 1 day per year to 33 with service
- 1 additional day off for your birthday
- Company sick pay package after successful probation
- Staff discount in our gift shop
- Nest Pension scheme (statutory contributions)
- Free Zoo entry whilst you are an employee
- Free Zoo passes each year for family and friends
- £5 daily food allowance in the zoo cafe
If you would love to work with us here at the Zoo please email your CV and a short covering letter detailing why you would be a great addition to our current team, to [email protected]
Closing date: Sunday 14 June 2026
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £13.02 per hour
Benefits:
Experience:
- Veg Flower Growing : 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
