Jobs at the Zoo

Gardener/Grounds Worker

​

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, being surrounded by animals every day and being 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
 

Alongside maintaining the zoo grounds, we also grow our own flowers and vegetables to feed our animals and we produce our own hay. This role will be varied and include the following:
 

- Working as part of a small team ensuring that the Zoo grounds look their best all year round

- Landscaping, mowing, planting, strimming, weeding and groundwork

- Growing vegetables and flowers in our poly tunnel and surrounding outdoor areas

- Some DIY skills and ability to drive Zoo vehicles and operate machinery & equipment

 

Skills and Experience
 

• Previous experience of gardening and growing vegetables with a genuine interest in horticulture would be desirable

• Experience of handling gardening machinery and any required certificates of competence

• Previous horticultural knowledge and qualification are desirable but not essential

• Have good communication skills and time management

• 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

• Must be adaptable and hands on and comfortable working around animals

• You will need to be capable of using a variety of tools

• Be physically fit as this role includes a lot of walking, bending and lifting various weights

• Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including some weekends, during school holidays 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

- Must adhere to Zoo policies at all times

- Must cooperate with other Zoo departments

- Must attend training courses as required to meet the requirements of the role

- Must take responsibility for own personal development, seeking out opportunities to learn new skills

- Must be flexible and willing to undertake any other duties as requested by management which are reasonably deemed to be within the scope of the role

​

Up to £12.52 per hour, 40 hours per week across 5 days, 8am – 5pm (1hr lunch), working on a rota including weekends and Bank Holidays.

​

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: jane@northumberlandzoo.co.uk

​

Closing date: Sunday 9th November 2025