Curator of Horticulture & Botany

Curator of Horticulture & Botany

Salary Description : Excellent benefits package

Job Description : Chester Zoo is the UK’s No.1 top zoo, and one of the leading zoological collections in Europe, with an international reputation for achieving its conservation mission through its breeding programmes, research and education.  We are one of the UK’s leading Zoological Gardens, with many horticultural features, gardens and greenhouses in our 120 acre site.

With the new ‘Islands’ site under construction, due to open in the summer, 2015 is set to be an exciting year! This unique and innovative project will provide an immersive experience; showcasing the animals and plants of South-east Asia and working towards a better understanding of the vital conservation work being undertaken in this region.

We are currently recruiting for a Curator of Horticulture & Botany to join our management team at Chester Zoo. This position will report to the Collections Director and will be responsible for all plants on site including garden areas, animal exhibits, off-show areas, greenhouses, car parks and nature reserve. The department is structured into 3 teams; Gardens, Nursery and Projects with overall responsibility of 20 employees. Our nursery facilities consist of 1,000m2 of heated greenhouses and polythene tunnels which include 5 National Collections of orchids, nepenthes and cacti. The role is also responsible for maintenance and development of eight major tropical houses open to visitors.

We are looking for someone with extensive knowledge and expertise of botany and horticulture, a minimum of five years managerial experience in a large scale botanical, horticultural or zoological organisation and ten years’ experience of gaining technical and practical experience in this area. There is an expectation that you will hold a minimum of a first degree in Botany or Horticulture. An understanding of worldwide ecological and conservation issues is essential.

This role will involve representing Chester Zoo at media interviews, internal and external meetings, workshops and conferences in the UK and overseas. Leadership skills, the ability to build strong working relationships across teams and excellent project management skills will be required.

Applicants should hold a full driving licence and be prepared to work weekends and Bank Holidays in a roster system, participating in the Duty Curator rota.

Salary is £40,944.57 per annum for a 40 hour working week.

To apply for this position, please provide your current CV and covering letter stating why you believe you should be considered for our Curator or Horticulture & Botany role. 

JobRef : NEZ-0331
Response Telephone : 01244 389748

Application URL : http://www.chesterzoo.careers/applynow/399a7d65aa8bb4de?s=ZooNewsDigest

Closing date for applications is Tuesday, 28th April 2015.

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