Grow your career at The Cotswold Wildlife Park – Vacancy for full time Gardener
The gardens at The Cotswold Wildlife Park, near Burford in Oxfordshire, have increasingly become an attraction in their own right, as well as providing enhanced surroundings for the animals. Across the 160-acre site, the gardens team maintains an exciting range of hardy ornamental plants for year-round interest; they also take on the challenge of creating two extensive seasonal displays – tender ‘exotics’ in Summer and a traditional Spring bedding and bulb display.
We are seeking an experienced horticulturalist to work within the gardens team.
Primary role, taking care of the planted amenity landscapes at a high horticultural level.
Core Skills
- Tending horticultural displays
- Planting up new displays
- Irrigation
- Working well within the team or independently
- Communication
Desirable Skills
- Soft fruit care
- PA1/ PA6
- Driving licence
The successful applicant will be working together with participation in the maintenance and development of ornamental plantings around the Park.
Proven experience in Amenity Horticulture is required.
Working hours are 8am – 4pm, Monday – Friday, with approximately 6 weekends per annum.
To express your interest in this position, please send a current CV with a covering letter stating how your horticultural experience matches our requirements, to enquiries@cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
Should you have any questions relating to this vacancy, please use the same email address.
Closing date for applications: 10th March
Education Volunteer
Our onsite Museum has been open since the summer of 2021 and over the past year we have seen a steady rise in the number of visitors discovering all that the Museum has to offer. An exciting opportunity has therefore arisen at Cotswold Wildlife Park to join the Education Department as a volunteer.
We are looking for volunteers who can dedicate at least one day a week, ideally working 11.00am until 3.00pm, so that the Museum can remain open more regularly to allow more visitors and school groups the chance to come and explore this unique educational space. We will also require our volunteers to help supervise the African Pygmy Goat walkthrough during the peak summer season on weekends, bank holidays and during school holidays. Some flexibility and ability to adapt to different situations is necessary.
As an Education Volunteer your main duties in the museum would include:
- Supervising the object handling
- Supporting the trail activities
- Answering visitor questions
- Keeping the space clean and tidy
- Keeping resources stocked and communicating with the Education team for any resources needed
The main duties in the African Pygmy Goat walkthrough would include:
- Monitoring the visitors coming in and out of the gates, ensuring they are closed behind them •
- Making sure visitors are behaving calmly around the animals
- Talking to visitors and answering any questions they may have
As an educational volunteer you will meet and talk to people of all ages and backgrounds and will need to be confident at interacting with all visitors in an appropriate manner – from families to VIP guests. You may work alongside other volunteers as part of your role but may also be lone working at times, so it is important that you are able to manage your time effectively as well as have the confidence to interact with members of the public on your own.
Enthusiasm for the animals is more important than previous experience, as an induction will be undertaken once you start the role. You will also have access to information about the species and artefacts as well as general Park information.
Some examples of the specimens in the Museum include:
If you have a keen interest in animals, and are comfortable speaking to adults and children from all backgrounds, then we would love to hear from you!
To request an application form, please contact: Lorah Wardle – Education and Activities Officer on 01993 825720 or email: education@cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk