Soft Landscaping Gardener

Introduction to the Department

As a soft landscape gardener at Colchester Zoo your job will be carrying out tasks that include hedge cutting, strimming, cutting and maintaining grass, monitoring the health of all plants (including indoor planted areas), watering and feeding plants, weeding gardens and keeping green spaces clear of debris and litter. Ultimately, your job is to make sure our gardens and green spaces are always healthy and look beautiful.

You will also cut browse and enrichment for animals and habitats.

Role Responsibilities

• To liaise with Supervisor and other team members to perform the required daily operations and any garden maintenance tasks deemed appropriate.
• Working across the site to deliver a range of maintenance activities on time and to a high standard
• To ensure that the presentation of Colchester Zoo gardens gives the most favourable impression at all times
• Install and maintain plants
• Mow, trim and fertilize green spaces
• Weed and mulch gardens
• Prune and trim shrubs and bushes
• Maintain all gardening equipment and machinery, mowers, trimmers and leaf blowers
• Monitor and maintain the health of plants
• Deal with pest problems that could damage plants
• Keep gardens and green spaces clear of debris and litter
• Driving company vehicles such as tractors and gators
• Providing an excellent level of customer service
• Operating hand-held equipment and machinery
• Reporting any damage or vandalism to the Supervisor.
• To ensure all necessary and appropriate standards have been implemented and are operating in accordance with the Company’s Health & Safety Policy

Role Requirements

• Punctual, hard-working and able to use own initiative
• A highly motivated individual with excellent general gardening skills
• Time management
• Excellent and clear communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team
• To work calmly and effectively in a high-pressure environment
• Knowledge of Health and Safety compliance
• Maintenance of records relating to tasks performed, timesheets, materials, vehicles and equipment
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with the public, and colleague
• You should have experience of general gardening work however full training will be given
• You don’t need any formal qualifications to become a gardener, however basic numeracy and literacy skills are important as is the ability to read and understand instructions.
• Preferred qualifications – NPTC 003920, NPTC 003921, NPTC 003922, NPTC 003923.