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Apprentice Horticulturist

Chester Zoo · Cedar House · posted 30 July 2026

Wage
£16,640 a year
Hours
40 hours a week
Duration
2 Years
Level
Intermediate (Level 2)
Standard
Horticulture or landscape construction operative (level 2)
Starts
5 October 2026
Closing date
30 August 2026
Positions
2

Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.

As part of the zoo's horticultural department as an apprentice, you'll be trained on and responsible for (but not limited to) the following:

Key responsibilities

  • To develop horticultural knowledge and skills to grow, nurture and develop a wide range of plants.
  • To learn how to identify and control pest, disease, weed infestations using appropriate methods.
  • To work within the team to design new horticultural planting.To learn the importance of and comply with risk assessments and safe operating procedures.
  • To learn and develop skills to use and maintain a range of hand tools and mechanical horticultural equipment.

You’ll develop your skills alongside various members of the team, learning a variety of duties and supporting the whole organisation to continued growth. You’ll be taught and mentored by supervisors who are well versed in the job role and industry, to achieve your full potential and share in the organisations success.

If you are committed and ready to take your first step into a real career with a well-established organisation, then please apply now! This apprenticeship and opportunity with The North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo) will be highly competitive, so do not miss your chance!

Your training

The successful candidate will continue their studies with apprenticeship specialists, RNN Group both remotely and on a 1-2-1 basis at the workplace, giving you the training and support you need to achieve the accompanying qualification.

Where it leads

Possibility of full-time employment within the sector 

About Chester Zoo

We are Chester Zoo and we are mission motivated, passionate people, working together to be the best.  We opened in 1931 by founder, George Mottershead who wanted to create the first UK zoo without bars. We are home to over 37,000 animals across our 128 acre site and have over 2 million visitors a year. Our mission is to prevent extinction; it’s a bold statement but we are confident that by working together and with our partners we can make a difference to wildlife here in the UK and the world.

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. 

 

Things to consider

This is a physical role and the role holder will spend a significant amount of time either outdoors in all weather conditions or in temperature controlled environments. The roles will involve a range of manual tasks. This is a public facing role out in the zoo.

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsIT skillsAttention to detailOrganisation skillsCustomer care skillsProblem solving skillsPresentation skillsLogicalTeam workingCreativeInitiativeBe reliable and punctualInterest in plant speciesWilling to listen and learnWork under pressureKnowledge of MicrosoftCommitted to the zoo's mission

Entry requirements

  • GCSE Maths & English (grade A*-C/9-4) — essential

Where you'll work

  • The North of England Zoological, Society, Cedar House, Chester Zoo, CH21LH

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