Ground staff (x 2 posts)

WE’RE HIRING! 

Job title         Ground staff (x 2 posts)

Working location           Lilongwe Wildlife Centre

Department Operations Division

■ Full-time □ Part-time

Job description

Grounds staff are responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and restoring both cultivated and forested areas within the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre. This includes the upkeep of lawns, hedges, outdoor visitor facility areas, walking trails, and natural habitats to ensure a safe, attractive, and environmentally sustainable environment for wildlife, visitors, staff, and volunteers.

Whenever required ground staff will assist in developing new outdoor areas for the centre. They will also support other departments, as needed in maintaining visitor service areas. Ground staff adhere to the general policies, performance standards and codes of conduct as described in the LWT handbook. The role supports habitat conservation objectives while maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety, and visitor experience.

Essential duties & responsibilities

Cultivated Areas Management

• Maintain lawns, flowerbeds & hedges through watering, mowing, trimming, reseeding, and general upkeep to ensure healthy growth and an attractive appearance.
• Assist with the development and expansion of gardens and landscaped spaces.

Forest Area and Habitat Management

• Maintain forest walking trails to ensure they remain safe, accessible, and environmentally sustainable.
• Identify, report, and address waterlogged and/or erosion-prone areas, infrastructure and viewing areas along trails and areas where security weaknesses may occur.
• Conduct routine litter collection and waste management along forest trails and designated recreation areas.
• Support habitat restoration initiatives, including tree planting, invasive species management, and vegetation regeneration activities.

Visitor Facilities Maintenance

• Maintain playgrounds, picnic sites, boardwalks, and visitor amenities in a clean and safe condition.
• Conduct routine inspections of recreational facilities and report maintenance issues promptly to Line Manager
• Support event and conference preparations through the setup and arrangement of grounds, furniture, and equipment.
• Assist with cleaning duties in offices, reception areas, and other facilities when operational needs require.

Environmental management & stewardship

• Encourage responsible visitor behaviour through positive engagement and environmental awareness.
• Maintain clean public areas and reduce factors that cause human wildlife conflict.
• Adhere to environmentally sustainable practice and organisational policies

Tools, Equipment and Safety

• Maintain all tools and equipment in a safe, clean, and operational condition & store appropriately..
• Follow workplace health, safety, and environmental procedures at all times and stock management procedures (inventory and bin cards).

Communication and Teamwork

• Maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, volunteers, visitors, and external stakeholders.
• Communicate maintenance requirements, safety concerns, and operational challenges to supervisors in a timely manner.
• Provide support to other departments and participate in cross-functional activities when required.
• Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and a collaborative approach to achieving organisational objectives.

Essential Education and experience

• Practical experience in horticulture, landscaping, forestry, or grounds maintenance. A Diploma or certificate in any of these fields would be highly advantageous.
• Knowledge of native vegetation, and sustainable land management practices would be highly advantageous.
• Physical fitness and the ability to undertake outdoor manual work.
• A proactive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn.
• Good attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Commitment to conservation values and high standards of visitor care.
• Has a positive and helpful attitude towards customers

How to apply                                 

Please send a covering letter and CV in pdf to applications@lilongwewildlife.org

Closing date 15th September 2026

LWT is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment decisions are based on qualifications and experience, merit and organisational need and all reasonable adjustments will be made where possible.