At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with visitors, create magical moments, and showcase your artistic talents.
- Company: Chester Zoo, the UK's biggest and best zoo, with a vibrant team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, staff discounts, and free zoo visits for you and friends.
- Other info: Temporary contract with opportunities for growth and fun events.
- Why this job: Work in a unique environment surrounded by wildlife while making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service and creativity; retail experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Our working environment could not be more different from a typical Retail 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 nearly 600 permanent and 500 seasonal team members. As a part of our Retail team, your role will help to support our mission of preventing extinction whilst ensuring we continue to be an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.
The Role: As one of our Retail Assistants (Artists), you will bring energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to every guest interaction. Your passion for delivering an exceptional experience will help create magical moments that inspire our visitors to return time and time again. You could be working in any area of Retail and potentially get to take part in our festival and offsite work. You’ll thrive in a team environment, while also being confident, imaginative, and self-assured in your own abilities. Retail Artists work across various areas of zoo retail; however, their specialism is face painting and artworks. If you have experience or a natural talent in this field, we would love to hear from you.
The Package: Temporary contract, starting 4th July 2026, until 6th September 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. Free bus travel available on the X1 from Chester and Ellesmere Port train stations. Staff discount in our restaurants and retail outlets. Subsidised staff canteen. Online Discount/Cashback scheme. Free entry to affiliated zoos and collections through BIAZA including Blue Planet Aquarium.
Our Requirements: Be passionate about excellent customer service and feel confident communicating with visitors. Be positive, flexible and approachable with a “can do” attitude. Enjoy exceeding targets and upselling. Be comfortable and able to work outside for long periods in all weathers. Although not essential, experience gained within a retail or visitor attraction environment would be advantageous. Interviews will be held on 16th and 20th June 2026. Flexibility in these roles is key, so the successful candidates must be able to work up to 5 days out of 7 every week. This will include evenings until 10pm, weekends, mid-week and bank holidays as rostered.
Retail Assistant - Artist employer: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo offers a unique and vibrant working environment where you can engage with wildlife while contributing to conservation efforts. As part of our diverse team, you'll enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pay, and a range of benefits including free zoo access for you and your family, staff discounts, and opportunities for personal growth in a creative retail role. Join us in creating magical experiences for our visitors and be part of an organisation that is dedicated to preventing extinction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail Assistant - Artist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Chester Zoo! Familiarise yourself with the animals, exhibits, and the overall vibe of the place. This will not only help you stand out during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Since this role involves face painting and artwork, bring a portfolio or examples of your work to the interview. We love seeing your artistic flair and how you can engage with visitors.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you can demonstrate your positive attitude and ability to handle different situations. Remember, we want team members who can create magical moments for our guests.
✨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 - Artist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for customer service and creativity shine through in your application. We want to see how your energy can contribute to creating magical moments for our visitors!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight any relevant experience, especially in retail or face painting. We love seeing how your unique skills fit into our vibrant team!
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your written application. We’re looking for confident and imaginative individuals who can bring their own flair to the role!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of joining our amazing team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on board!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Show Your Passion for Customer Service
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for delivering excellent customer service during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in the past, especially in a retail or visitor attraction setting.
✨Demonstrate Your Creativity
Since this role involves face painting and artwork, be prepared to discuss your creative skills. Bring along a portfolio or photos of your previous work to showcase your talent and imagination. This will help you stand out as a Retail Artist.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
The zoo values teamwork, so expect questions about how you work with others. Think of examples where you've collaborated successfully in a team environment, and highlight your positive, flexible attitude that aligns with their culture.
✨Prepare for a Unique Environment
Familiarise yourself with Chester Zoo and its mission. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating magical moments for visitors while working in an outdoor setting. Showing that you understand and appreciate the zoo's goals will impress the interviewers.
