Grounds Manager

Overview

As Grounds Manager at WWT Slimbridge, you lead a skilled grounds team to maintain and develop our grounds to support thriving habitats and memorable visitor experiences. You will balance practical leadership with strategic planning, delivering maintenance and improvement projects that align with conservation goals. This hands-on role involves budget oversight, partner coordination, and Centre Management Team duties to ensure high standards across landscapes, infrastructure and guest areas. You will shape environments people love to visit while advancing wetland restoration and wildlife outcomes.

Pay / Benefits

• 33 days annual leave (38 with service)
• free entry to all wetland centres
• free car parking
• cycle to work scheme
• contributory pension
• Life Assurance (3x salary)

Responsibilities

• lead and develop a grounds team including staff, volunteers and contractors
• plan and deliver annual grounds maintenance programmes and improvement projects
• enhance landscapes and habitats to meet conservation and visitor goals
• maintain outstanding standards across grounds, infrastructure and visitor areas
• manage budgets, resources and contractors
• fulfil Centre Management Team duties including Duty Manager responsibilities

Key requirements

• qualification in horticulture or landscaping
• practical management experience
• experience using plant and machinery
• strong grounds or estate management experience, ideally in a visitor-focused site
• proactive, solutions-focused and resourceful approach
• passion for landscapes, nature and creating visitor-friendly environments
• full driving licence

• proactive problem-solving
• team leadership and people management
• strong communication
• use of plant and machinery
• grounds or estate management expertise
• planning and delivering maintenance programmes

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