At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of Chester Zoo, assisting visitors and selling tickets.
- Company: Join the UK's biggest and best zoo, dedicated to wildlife conservation.
- Benefits: Earn £12.21 per hour, enjoy a staff pass, and gain valuable experience.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for evening and weekend work.
- Why this job: Work in a unique environment surrounded by amazing animals and contribute to conservation efforts.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a passion for customer service are essential.
Our working environment could not be more different from your usual setting - where else could you stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?
What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
As the UK's biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans and there's always lots going on here. We're an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members.
Each year we have plenty of exciting temporary opportunities within our Admissions, Retail, Operations and Food and Beverage teams, undertaking a variety of tasks such as picking stock in our warehouse, stewarding the car parks, working in our gift shops, welcoming guests, or serving food and drinks to our 2 million visitors. No two days will be the same!
The Role
An Admissions Assistant is often the first person our visitors come into contact with at Chester Zoo; whether that be on the day at our Admission Lanes and Ticket Sales windows or via email enquiries and phone calls before a visit. Our Admissions Assistants are also involved in the sale and delivery of commercial products and services. This role includes evening work for our Lanterns & Light event as well as some cleaning duties.
The Package
- Temporary contract starting 1st November 2026 until 31st December 2026.
- Rate of pay of £12.71 per hour regardless of age.
- Working on a rota basis with a minimum of 8 hours per week up to a maximum of 40 hours per week. Hours will vary and can be significantly more during busy periods. This includes weekends, bank holidays and evenings.
- Annual leave which accrues based on hours of work.
- Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus complimentary tickets for your friends and family.
Our Requirements
- Passionate and engaging; able to deliver exceptional customer service face to face, over the phone and via email.
- Strong communication skills; both verbal and written.
- Organised, with strong IT skills and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Experience of EPOS systems and cash handling.
- Confident, flexible and approachable with a proactive, "can do" attitude.
- Comfortable standing for long periods on your feet in a static outdoor environment.
- Flexibility in these roles is key as the working pattern will include weekends, mid-week, bank holidays and evenings until 10pm during events to cover all needs of the business.
More About Us
We're not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that's home to 30,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We're not just the UK's most popular zoo. We're a major wildlife charity that's committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we're making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it's needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.
Please be aware we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We would recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you complete the application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.
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Admissions Assistant in Chester employer: Chester-Zoo
Chester Zoo is an exceptional employer that prioritises a vibrant work culture and the growth of its employees. As a Food & Beverage Supervisor, you will not only lead a passionate team in delivering outstanding guest experiences but also benefit from competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive healthcare plan, all while working in a unique and inspiring environment dedicated to conservation and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Admissions Assistant in Chester
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Chester-Zoo. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Chester-Zoo before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Admissions Assistant in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Chester-Zoo:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Chester-Zoo specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Chester-Zoo!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester-Zoo
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
