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.
Multiple roles available
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 the 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 events throughout the year as well as some cleaning duties.
The Package
- Temporary contract starting 22nd March 2026 until 6th September 2026.
- Rate of pay of £12.21 per hour regardless of age.
- Working on a rota basis with a minimum of 8 hours per week with opportunities for up to 40 hours per week during busy periods. Hours will vary and will include 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 10 pm 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.
Shortlisting of applications and interviews for the role will take place while the advert is live; the advert will close once the successful candidate is found. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.
Admissions Assistant in Chester employer: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo offers a unique and vibrant working environment where employees can enjoy the company of rare animals during their breaks. As a leading wildlife charity, we foster an inclusive culture that prioritises employee growth and development, providing opportunities to engage in meaningful conservation efforts while delivering exceptional customer service. With competitive pay, flexible hours, and perks like a staff pass for zoo visits, Chester Zoo is an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding career in a dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Admissions Assistant in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Chester Zoo! Familiarise yourself with our mission and values. When you walk into that interview, show us your passion for wildlife conservation and how you can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might need to handle tricky situations with visitors. We want to see how you can keep a cool head and provide exceptional service, even when things get busy.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! Our roles can change quickly, especially during busy periods. Show us that you’re up for the challenge and can handle whatever comes your way with a smile.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Chester Zoo. Don’t wait too long; we’re keen to find the right fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Admissions Assistant in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for wildlife and customer service shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making our visitors' experiences unforgettable.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer service and any roles where you've had to communicate effectively. We love seeing how your skills align with what we do at Chester Zoo!
Be Clear and Concise:In your cover letter, get straight to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure you outline why you’re a great fit for the Admissions Assistant role without waffling on too much. Keep it engaging!
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We’ll be shortlisting applications as they come in, so the sooner you apply through our website, the better your chances. Plus, it gives us more time to get to know you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Know Your Zoo
Before your interview, take some time to research Chester Zoo. Familiarise yourself with its mission, the animals it houses, and any recent news or events. This will not only show your passion for the role but also help you answer questions about why you want to work there.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
As an Admissions Assistant, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've delivered exceptional customer service. Think about how you handled difficult situations or went above and beyond to help someone.
✨Practice Your Communication
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice answering common interview questions out loud, focusing on clarity and confidence. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable speaking about your experiences.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
The job requires flexibility in working hours, including evenings and weekends. Be prepared to discuss your availability and demonstrate your willingness to adapt to the needs of the zoo. Highlight any previous roles where you had to be flexible with your schedule.
