CAREERS AT CHESTER ZOO

Horticulturist - Nursery

Job reference:001628

Salary:£26,500

Closing date:22/03/2026

Department:Plants

Location:Chester

Employment type:Permanent

Hours Per Week:40

Town Name:Not specified

Job Description

Horticulturist
We currently have an exciting full time, permanent vacancy for a Horticulturist to join our busy Nursery Team within our Plant division. With Chester Zoo recently gaining accreditation as a Botanic Garden – Conservation Practitioner’, this role will play a vital role in creating the greatest possible conservation impact for plants as well as animals.

We are Chester Zoo 

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 30,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.

The Role 

• To assist with the nursery operations including Plant Collections, Native Species programmes, daily maintenance of various growing environments and feature gardens.

• Contribute to the team maintaining excellent standards of horticulture across the zoo and maximising the sustainability of all horticultural operations.

• Responsible for ensuring all safe working procedures are adhered to.

• Be involved in the development of plant conservation projects within the zoo to enhance visitor experience and animal enrichment.

Our ideal candidate will:

• Have a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in a Horticultural subject and proven practical horticultural experience.

• Proven practical experience in horticulture, preferably working in growing environments and feature gardens.

• Contribute to the team maintaining excellent standards of horticulture across the zoo and maximising the sustainability of all horticultural operations.

• Good working plant knowledge.

• Be hardworking, reliable and works well in a team.

• An understanding of environmental and conservation issues and a passion for wildlife.

• Hold a full driving licence valid in the UK.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• PA1 & PA6 spraying certificate.
The Package

• Permanent full time contract based on 40 hours per week.

• Working 10 days in 14, including weekends and bank holidays as rostered. Operations are from 7.30am – 4.20pm all year round.

• Starting salary of £26,500 per annum

• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days

• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family

• Cycle to work scheme

• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme

• Discounted gym membership

• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks

• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
Well, where do we start? Here goes… 

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues.