John Baxter
Paignton,Torbay
Summary
Experienced horticulturist with extensive expertise in practical horticulture, grounds management, and sustainable gardening. Proficient in hedge cutter operation, soil preparation, pruning and cultivation, and woodland and paddocks management. Skilled in the use of lawnmowers, strimmers, small diggers, and other mechanical equipment. Demonstrates strong knowledge of diverse plant species and seasonal planting techniques. Committed to water conservation methods and effective fertiliser application. Holds a valid driving licence and excels in autonomous working environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
32
32
years of professional experience
Work history
Gardener
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
Paignton, Devon
1995.01 - 2026.08
As a gardener I have been responsible for all area of grounds maintenance including weeding pruning, planting, seasonal leaf clearing using blowers. I have worked on many development projects to improve the zoo and create new animal exhibits and planting displays for the public. I am a very experienced machinery operator and have key responsibilities within the team for large machinery use including Manitou, larger and compact tractors with attachments and excavator work. I regularly carry out mowing, strimming and brush cutting helping to maintain animal enclosures. I work in an environmentally conscious way caring for wild habitats as well as the zoo gardens. as a gardener I am used to working in all weathers doing a very physical job.
Education
Certificate in horticulture phase one part of YTS - Horticulture
Dartington Tech
Dartington, Devon /1988 -
GCSEs - English
Paignton community college
Paignton, Devon /1987 -
GCSEs - World studies
Paignton community college
Paignton, Devon /1987 -
GCSEs - Principal of Motor Engineering
Paignton community college 1987
Paignton, Devon /1987 -
Skills
- Horticultural knowledge
- Hedge cutter operation
- Soil preparation
- Pruning and cultivation
- Woodland and paddocks management
- Lawnmower operation
- Grounds management
- Weed control
- Driving licence
- Small digger operation
- Diverse plant knowledge
- Practical horticulture
- Lawnmower maintenance
- Fertiliser application
- Sustainable gardening
- Strimmer use
- Mechanical equipment handling
- Mulching technique
- Plant care and maintenance
- Weeding proficiency
- Heavy machinery handling
- Garden equipment operation
- Seasonal planting knowledge
- Familiar with gardening tools
- Brush cutting
- Wood chipping technique
Certification
Waste management operations NVQ2 -2009
Tractor driving on slopes Lantra certificate -2025
Brushcutters /trimmers Lantra certificate- 2025
Woodchippers Lantra certificate- 2025
Telescopic handler certificate- 2024
Affiliations
- Coastal walking
- Movies
- Football Norwich City FC
Timeline
Gardener
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park
1995.01 - 2026.08
GCSEs - Principal of Motor Engineering
Paignton community college 1987
/1987 -
GCSEs - World studies
Paignton community college
/1987 -
GCSEs - English
Paignton community college
/1987 -
Certificate in horticulture phase one part of YTS - Horticulture
Dartington Tech
/1988 -