At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage visitors through fun activities, talks, and storytelling at Chester Zoo.
- Company: Chester Zoo is the UK's largest zoo, dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, healthcare plans, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Positions available for 14 or 21 hours per week; DBS check required.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact in conservation while having fun!
- Qualifications: A love for nature, creativity, and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 11717 - 13182 £ per year.
We have a fabulous opportunity for a number of Zoo Rangers to join our team and play a central role in the world-class experience that our visitors enjoy here at Chester Zoo. These are permanent, part-time opportunities, of either a 14 hour or 21 hour per week contract. Please specify on your cover letter whether you wish to apply for the 14hr or 21hr or both positions.
The Role – Zoo Ranger
Within the Conservation Education & Engagement team, we are proud to develop and deliver material to engage our visitors with our plant and animal collection and our worldwide conservation work through a range of diverse, fun and exciting educational experiences. As a Zoo Ranger you will:
- Interact with visitors of all ages including children, families and other audiences.
- Interact with audiences that vary between one individual and a crowd of 500.
- Be expected to deliver across a wide range of mediums including talks, table-top activities, play-based activities and storytelling.
- Deliver engagement in fun, novel ways such as mascots, puppets and roleplay.
- Deliver our range of Junior programme activities for a variety of ages.
- Manage our 2 animal walkthroughs (Fruit Bat Forest and Lemur walkthrough).
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 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development.
The Package
- Permanent contract
- Working hours of either:
- 14 hours per week, worked over every Saturday and Sunday. Hours of work will be: between 8:30am – 5pm. Some early morning and evening will be required as part of working hours. Overtime will be required during peak times such as school holidays.
- 21 hours per week, worked over every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Hours of work will be: between 8:30am – 5pm. Some early morning and evening will be required as part of working hours. Overtime will be required during peak times such as school holidays.
- Generous annual leave entitlement (33 days including bank holidays based on 40 hours, to be pro-rated)
- Salary of £13,182.30 (21hrs)/£11,717.60 (14hrs) including our January 2025 pay award
- Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off plus a number of complimentary tickets for your family and friends
- Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
- Discounted gym membership
- Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
- Pension scheme with generous employer contribution
Our Requirements – Zoo Ranger
- A wide-ranging knowledge of the natural world
- A creative mind, and ability to develop and deliver engaging, high-quality public engagement opportunities for our visitors
- The ability to confidently deliver stories, shows, games and other playful, interactive engagement styles
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact with a wide range of audiences in a playful and engaging manner
- A good working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office packages, as well as iPads and apps
- Good organisational and time management skills
- The ability to work effectively under their own initiative and as part of a team with a positive attitude
- Excellent customer service skills
Although not essential, the following would be desirable:
- Experience of working in a childcare setting or a childcare qualification
- A good working knowledge and experience of zoo conservation education, including research
- A good knowledge of our animal collection and conservation work
- A degree or qualification in a relevant field e.g. biology, education etc.
Due to the nature of the organisation and the role, this post is subject to a DBS check.
More About Us
We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals. 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.
To Apply
Please submit your CV along with a covering letter providing answers to the following questions:
- What are your motivations for applying for the role and what relevant skills and experience would you bring to the position?
- Can you please tell us what good customer service means to you and give an example of when you’ve delivered it?
- Can you tell us about a time when you’ve used your creative skills?
- Can you commit to the working hours advertised?
- Would you like for your application to also be considered for our current full-time Zoo Ranger vacancy?
Closing date for applications is 5th January 2025.
Zoo Ranger - Weekend in Chester employer: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture where creativity and passion for conservation thrive. As part of our dedicated team, Zoo Rangers enjoy flexible part-time contracts, generous annual leave, and numerous employee benefits, including a healthcare plan and discounts on various services. With ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, working at Chester Zoo means contributing to meaningful conservation efforts while engaging with a diverse audience in a fun and dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Zoo Ranger - Weekend in Chester
✨Get Involved in Local Biological Communities
Check out local biology clubs or societies in your area. Attend their meetings or talks to meet like-minded people, and don’t hesitate to bring up that you’re looking for part-time gigs. These connections can lead to hidden job opportunities that aren’t advertised online.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a student, your university’s career services can be a goldmine for finding part-time roles in biology. They often have exclusive listings or can help you polish your approach before you hit that ‘apply’ button—definitely worth a visit!
✨Volunteer for Research Projects
Look for research projects or labs in your area that might need volunteers or interns. This can not only give you valuable experience but also lead to a part-time position. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment and passion!
✨Don’t Forget to Apply Directly Through Us!
We get it—hunting for a part-time role like a biology whiz can be exhausting! Make sure to check our website regularly for openings at Chester Zoo. We love seeing fresh talent, and you might just find the perfect part-time gig waiting for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Zoo Ranger - Weekend in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the field of biology, technical skills are key! Be sure to highlight any lab techniques, fieldwork experience, or relevant coursework in your CV. Specific skills like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy can really make you stand out to Chester Zoo.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to biology—like safety training or specific lab skills—make sure to include those in your application. They not only demonstrate your commitment but also give you an edge over other candidates applying for the part-time Zoo Ranger - Weekend role at Chester Zoo.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Enthusiasm:For a part-time position, it's all about demonstrating motivation and a willingness to learn. Use your cover letter to show why you're passionate about biology and how working with Chester Zoo will help you achieve your career goals—make it personal!
Keep Your Availability Clear:Since this is a part-time gig, be upfront about your availability in your CV and cover letter. Whether you're juggling studies or other commitments, let Chester Zoo know when you can contribute—this clarity makes scheduling a breeze!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Dive into Your Research
Brush up on the latest findings in the biology field, especially those related to the role you're applying for at Chester Zoo. Being able to discuss recent studies or breakthroughs will show your passion and commitment to the subject – it could give you the edge over other candidates!
✨Know Your Tools!
If the biology position involves lab work, be prepared to chat about the specific techniques or tools you’ve used in your studies, like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. You might be faced with technical questions about these methods during the interview, so refreshing your knowledge can really help.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm!
As this is a part-time role, you’ll want to convey your eagerness to learn and grow within the company. Be ready to share your motivation for applying to Chester Zoo and how this position fits into your future career plans. They’ll appreciate your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute!
✨Have Your Examples Ready
Think of specific projects or coursework where you tackled real-life biological problems. Whether it’s a lab experiment or a group project, having concrete examples allows you to showcase your skills and teamwork during behavioural interview questions. It's all about demonstrating that you can apply your knowledge in practical settings.
