At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Youth Board to influence decisions and shape experiences for young people at Chester Zoo.
- Company: Chester Zoo, a leading conservation charity dedicated to preventing extinction.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training, and reimbursement for travel expenses.
- Other info: Flexible role alongside studies or work, with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife and empower young voices in conservation.
- Qualifications: Passionate individuals aged 18–26 with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 32384 - 40000 £ per year.
- Youth Board Member (Volunteer)
- Help to Shape the Future of Chester Zoo
At Chester Zoo, we're a leading conservation charity working to prevent extinction.
We believe young people have a vital role to play in shaping a better future for wildlife, people and the planet.
Are you passionate about ensuring young people’s voices are heard ? We're looking for passionate young people aged
18–26 to join our
Youth Board and make sure young voices are represented in decisions made at Chester Zoo and beyond.
Why Join?
- Influence real decisions at Chester Zoo
- Help shape experiences and opportunities for young people
- Build confidence, leadership and communication skills
- Access training, mentoring and development opportunities
- Connect with like-minded young people from diverse backgrounds
- Work alongside experts in conservation, education, policy and engagement
- Gain valuable experience to support your future career
- Enjoy a flexible role alongside work, study or other commitments
- Receive reimbursement for travel expenses to Youth Board meetings
What You'll Do
- Attend six meetings each year (usually on Saturdays)
- Read relevant papers and prep work to support sharing your ideas and recommendations with Chester Zoo's senior leaders and Board of Trustees
- Be active members or leads of project groups, focused on areas such as visitor experience, conservation, public affairs (politics) and inclusion
- Support youth events and activities
- Help to develop opportunities for young people aged 11–25
- Act as an ambassador for Chester Zoo
- Work collaboratively with fellow Youth Board members to create positive change
- Full training, induction and mentoring support will be provided.
- Who We're Looking For
You don't need experience in conservation or zoology.
We're interested in people with different backgrounds, interests and perspectives.
Whether you're working, completing an apprenticeship, studying at college, or taking another path, we want to hear from you.
We're particularly keen to hear from applicants aged 18–20 and those who have chosen routes outside of university.
You’ll be
- Enthusiastic about making a difference
- Comfortable working as part of a team
- Keen to share your ideas and listen to others
- Able to commit to the Youth Board for at least two years
- Available to attend six meetings per year (at least four in person), plus additional events and project meetings
- Areas of Interest
- Politics & Public Affairs – Make sure young people’s voices are heard by local and national decision-makers.
Help to shape conversations on issues that matter to young people such as nature and climate education.
- Visitor Experience & Commercial Growth – Help to design inspiring experiences that connect young people with Chester Zoo, conservation, and nature in meaningful ways.
- Research, Funding & Impact – Gather evidence and share young people’s experiences to support funding bids, secure sponsorship, and demonstrate the impact of youth-led work at Chester Zoo.
- Marketing & Communications – Use your ideas and perspectives to help us engage young audiences online, on social media and at events.
- Digital, Technology & AI – Explore how digital tools, technology, and AI can improve opportunities for young people, enhance visitor experiences, and support conservation.
- People, Culture & Inclusion – Help to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where all young people feel valued, heard, and empowered to take action for nature.
- Important Information
This is a voluntary role.
Youth Board members are not paid, but reasonable travel expenses will be covered.
The opportunity is open to Chester Zoo volunteers, but not current members of staff.
- Key dates
- The closing date for applications is Wednesday 12th August.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a group recruitment morning, 10am-12pm on Saturday 5th September, in person at Chester Zoo. (Please contact us for support with travel expenses if this would be a barrier to attending.
We are only running one recruitment session that is delivered in person only.
Unfortunately no alternative will be arranged and it’s in-person only, no online options are available for this recruitment session.)
- For short-listed applicants, online informal interviews will be held during the week of 7th September.
- For successful candidates, the first Youth Board Meeting will be on the Saturday 3rd October.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Volunteer Youth Board Member - Shape Wildlife & Policy 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 Volunteer Youth Board Member - Shape Wildlife & Policy
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Youth Board Member - Shape Wildlife & Policy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Chester Zoo, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Chester Zoo.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Chester Zoo and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
