Closing date: Monday 17th February 2025
Salary: Up to £26,104.00 Per Annum, Plus Desirable Benefits
Full Time, Permanent Position
Are you wild about creating memorable experiences?
Do you want to work in a place where you can hear the roar from our pride of lions, or calls from troops of howler monkeys?
The Arboriculture Department at Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve are seeking a Junior Arborist to join our expanding team.
As a Junior Arborist, you’ll help maintain trees and woodlands across two wild animal parks and beyond, supporting routine and emergency tree care. With training provided, you’ll be able to identify hazardous trees, contribute to action plans, and develop hands-on skills like pruning, aerial rescue support, and timber production.
You’ll also assist in providing animal fodder, maintain tools, and clear work areas, all while growing your expertise under the guidance of our experienced Arborist Team. Training will be provided to help you develop the necessary skills, however previous experience in a similar position is advantageous.
The Person:
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual with a passion for arboriculture and a strong desire to learn. Essential experience includes using basic arboriculture tools such as hand saws and chainsaws, as well as exposure to tasks like pruning, felling and debris clearing. While previous experience in tree surgery or a related role is desirable, training will be provided for those with the right attitude.
The ideal candidate will hold a valid UK driving license, an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate, and relevant NPTC certifications (Chainsaw Maintenance, Cross-Cutting, Climbing, Aerial Rescue). Additional qualifications like NPTC CS 32 or a Level 2 Arboriculture certificate are a plus. You should have a basic understanding of tree care and safety practices, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety.
A strong team player with good communication skills, you’ll be eager to develop new skills and contribute to a supportive and professional team. The ability to work independently will also be beneficial.
Contract details:
This is a full-time, permanent position working 40 hours per week. Working hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. Some overtime may be required. All applicants must have right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location.
The location:
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Our sister park, Howletts Wild Animal Park is located near Canterbury and set within 90 acres of land. Howletts is home to over 300 rare and endangered species, including Kents only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, and more gorillas, leopards and monkeys than any zoo in the county!
Most importantly, every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and their efforts have contributed to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.
Why you should join us:
As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and the roars from our pride of Lions, you will also join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.
You can also expect a host of other benefits including:
• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service (pro-rata to start date and working hours)
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning
• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
• Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
• Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
• And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits
To apply: Please email your CV along with a covering letter to - juliand@howlettsandportlympne.com
