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- Tasks: Deliver top-notch customer service and assist in various retail areas at Chester Zoo.
- Company: Chester Zoo, the UK's biggest and best zoo with a vibrant team culture.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ12.21 per hour, enjoy annual leave, and get free zoo visits for you and your friends.
- Why this job: Work in a unique environment surrounded by amazing animals and make a difference.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service and a positive, flexible attitude.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great team spirit, and opportunities to exceed sales targets.
Retail Assistant
Join to apply for the Retail Assistant role at Chester Zoo.
Overview
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a number of part‑time Retail Assistants to join our retail team on a permanent basis. Retail at Chester Zoo is an extremely fast‑moving department, and we are looking for people that aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in at the same time as providing world‑class standards of service to our visitors.
Responsibilities
- Work in all areas of retail at the Zoo – gift shops, kiosks, retail stores, and customer activities such as face painting.
- Deliver the highest standards of customer service daily.
- Meet sales targets, manage visual merchandising of products, upsell, unit cleaning.
- Handle cash, stock control and replenishment.
- Help train, develop and mentor many Temporary Assistants.
- Provide extra hours regularly during busy periods, including school holidays.
Qualifications
- Previous experience in a fast‑paced retail or visitor attraction environment.
- Passionate about excellent customer service and a strong communicator.
- Enjoy exceeding targets and up‑selling.
- Experience with cash handling and EPOS systems.
- Confidence to work with own initiative to achieve goals.
- Ability to mentor Temporary colleagues.
- Eye for visual merchandising and creative flair.
- Experience with high volume stock replenishment.
- Advantageous: engagement activities such as face painting or hand‑animals.
Compensation and Benefits
- Permanent contract.
- Salary of ÂŁ25,396.80 per annum based on 40 hours per week (prorated).
- 33 days annual leave pro‑rate plus option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
- Staff pass to visit the zoo during time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for friends and family.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Healthcare plan and employee assistance program.
- Discounted gym membership.
- Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high‑street shops via Perks.
- Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%.
Interview & Start Date
Interviews will be held while the role is live, with successful candidates starting on 2 February 2026. The ad will be closed when successful candidates have been found.
About Chester Zoo
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. 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.
Seniority Level
Entry level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Sales and Business Development
Industry
Non‑profit Organisations
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Retail Assistant employer: Chester Zoo
Contact Detail:
Chester Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the zoo! Familiarise yourself with the animals and the retail areas. When you chat with the hiring team, showing your passion for the zoo and its mission can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready to showcase your customer service skills. Think of examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer. We want to see that 'can do' attitude in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Flexibility is key! Be prepared to discuss your availability and how you can adapt to the busy periods. Highlighting your willingness to work evenings and weekends will definitely catch their eye.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our amazing team at Chester Zoo.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Customer Service: Make sure to highlight your love for excellent customer service in your application. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely enjoy helping people and creating memorable experiences for our visitors.
Be Flexible and Positive: Flexibility is key in this role, so let us know how adaptable you are! Share examples of times when you've gone above and beyond or tackled unexpected challenges with a positive attitude. We love a 'can do' spirit!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Retail Assistant role. We appreciate when candidates take the extra step to connect their background with what we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing zoo!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Know Your Customer Service Basics
Since this role is all about delivering top-notch customer service, brush up on the key principles of excellent service. Think about how you can make a visitor's experience memorable and be ready to share examples of when you've gone above and beyond for a customer.
✨Show Your Flexibility
The job requires flexibility in working hours, so be prepared to discuss your availability. Highlight any previous experiences where you adapted to changing schedules or took on different roles, showing that you're ready to jump in wherever needed.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Wildlife
Chester Zoo is all about conservation and wildlife, so express your enthusiasm for animals and the environment. Share any relevant experiences or interests that connect you to the zoo's mission, making it clear that you're not just looking for a job, but a chance to contribute to something meaningful.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
You might be asked how you'd handle specific situations, like dealing with a difficult customer or upselling a product. Think through these scenarios beforehand and come up with practical solutions that showcase your problem-solving skills and customer focus.
