zoo operations jobs

Purpose of the role

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international conservation charity, driven by science, working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and every role, every person in every corner of ZSL has one thing in common, we are all conservationists, and passionate about restoring wildlife.

We are looking for confident, dedicated individuals to join our Visitor Services Team at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo as a Car Park Attendant to help deliver the best possible experience for our visitors and ensure a positive first impression. The post holder is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of outstanding customer service and will be solely based in our external Zoo car park. You will be the first point of contact for our visitors and as such play a vital role in setting the tone of their day.

Key Responsibilities:

• Visitor Welcome & Customer Service: Greet visitors with a positive demeanour, respond efficiently to questions, and maintain consistently high customer service standards.
• Parking Management: Ensure that all visitors are directed to the appropriate parking space.
• Safety & Security Patrols: Carry out regular Foot Patrols to ensure the safety and security of the car park. Follow security procedures to ensure the protection of staff, visitors and ZSL’s assets.
• Traffic Control: Manage vehicle entry and exit to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.
• Terms & Conditions Compliance: Upholds the Zoo’s Terms and Conditions of entry.

About You

• Previous experience working in visitor/customer services role in a large Visitor Attraction setting, with proven teamwork skills.
• You’re proactive and hands-on, ready to pitch in and support the team, especially during busy periods.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, with a positive and flexible approach to physical, hands-on work.
• Able to adapt quickly and support the smooth day-to-day operation of the team.

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What do we offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages