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- Tasks: Welcome visitors, assist with parking, and ensure a great first impression.
- Company: Join Wild Planet Trust, a leading conservation charity with two zoos and nature reserves in Devon.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days paid holiday, free zoo entry for family, and discounts on food and retail.
- Why this job: Be part of an amazing team in a vibrant environment while making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills and a friendly attitude are essential; previous experience is a plus.
- Other info: Part-time role during school holidays with flexible hours over a 7-day rota.
Location Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU Salary National Minimum Wage Application Deadline Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Job Summary
Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in south west England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.
Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also an award-winning botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Car Park Assistant to join our Car Park team for our peak 2025 season on a part time basis. These contracts are for school holidays only working a minimum of 10 hours per week. The hours will be over a 7-day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is national minimum wage.
School Holidays are:
19 July to 30 August 2025
26 October to 01 November 2025
You’ll play a key role in the overall experience of our visitors and will be the face of the Wild Planet Trust for every visitor that meets you as they arrive. If you are a friendly, outgoing person who enjoys meeting people and working in an amazing environment this could be the perfect opportunity for you. You will be responsible for welcoming visitors as they arrive in our car park, helping them to park and directing them to the main entrance.
What skills and experience are required?
The ideal candidates will have excellent customer service skills and will be friendly and welcoming. Problem solving skills and confidence in speaking to visitors is essential. Previous experience in a similar role and basic health and safety knowledge is beneficial.
Benefits of joining our team include:
- 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Branded uniform provided (as required)
- Relevant internal and external training provided
- Free entry to our zoos for staff and immediate family
- Complimentary tickets
- Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
- Free staff parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts Platform
Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertising period for this role. The role may therefore be filled prior to the closing date.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Job Profile Job Profile document
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Seasonal Car Park Assistant employer: Wild Planet Trust
Contact Detail:
Wild Planet Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Car Park Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Paignton Zoo and its mission. Understanding the values and conservation efforts of Wild Planet Trust will help you connect with the role and demonstrate your enthusiasm during any conversations or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by engaging with friends or family in mock scenarios. Being able to confidently greet and assist visitors is crucial, so showing that you can handle various situations with a friendly attitude will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Visit the zoo before your interview to get a feel for the environment and the visitor experience. This will not only give you insights into the role but also provide you with specific examples to discuss when asked about your interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Car Park Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and skills required for the Seasonal Car Park Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Friendly Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your friendly and outgoing personality. Mention your customer service skills and any relevant experience, and express your enthusiasm for working in a zoo environment.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous roles that involved customer interaction or problem-solving. If you have experience in similar positions, make sure to detail your responsibilities and achievements.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is important for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Planet Trust
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
As a Car Park Assistant, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors. Make sure to express your excitement about working in such a vibrant environment. A friendly smile and positive attitude can go a long way in making a great first impression.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Since excellent customer service is key for this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully assisted customers or resolved issues. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the position effectively.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Whether it's managing a busy car park or assisting a visitor with a query, showcasing your problem-solving skills will show that you're capable of handling the dynamic environment at Paignton Zoo.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Health and Safety
Basic health and safety knowledge is beneficial for this role. Brush up on relevant guidelines and be prepared to discuss how you would ensure a safe environment for both visitors and staff while performing your duties.
