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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Keep our parks safe and welcoming through maintenance and repairs.
- Company: Join Howletts Wild Animal Park, home to over 300 rare species.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, free park entry, and discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a conservation mission while working in a unique environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in maintenance and a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Work four days a week with a supportive team passionate about wildlife.
The predicted salary is between 18400 - 25800 £ per year.
Overview
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is looking for a Maintenance Operative to join our experienced team, who will work in and around our luxury accommodation areas and wild animal park.
Closing date: Friday 3 October 2025
Salary: £28,828.80 Per Annum, Plus Desirable Benefits
Full Time, Permanent Position
Responsibilities
- Ensure a well maintained and safe environment for our guests and visitors, providing a high quality of service to the wider estate at all times.
- Carry out proactive and reactive property maintenance, ensuring that all accommodation areas are maintained to a high standard.
Who We Are Looking For
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the building industry or experience in a specific trade, or multi-trade.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and adapt to changing priorities with a flexible approach.
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weathers.
- Hold a full valid UK driving licence as you will be required to drive company vehicles around the park.
Contract Details
- Hours: 45 hours per week, five days out of seven. Working hours can include evenings until no later than 8pm, weekends and bank holidays.
- All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. A reliable mode of transport is recommended due to our remote location.
- Although predominantly based at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, the successful candidate may be required to work at Howletts Wild Animal Park on occasions.
Location
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is a world-renowned wild animal park set within 600 acres of Kentish savannah. The Reserve is home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals and offers luxury short breaks accommodation, free roaming animal safaris, once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters and exquisite dining experiences. Every one of our employees is part of real conservation in action and contributes to animals such as black rhino and western lowland gorillas being returned to their natural habitats in collaboration with our partners at The Aspinall Foundation.
Why You Should Join Us
We’re on a mission to create memorable experiences that matter. Our Core Values ‘One Team’, ‘Customer’ and ‘Pride’ drive us to be part of something extraordinary. Be part of the Port Lympne and Howletts family and join our pride.
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service (pro-rata to start date and working hours).
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning.
- Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
- Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks plus friends and family tickets.
- Exceptional discounts on food, retail and accommodation at our parks.
- Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
- And many more length or service-related rewards and benefits.
A Full Job Description Is Available On Request.
To apply: Please email your CV along with a covering letter to – deanw@portlympne.com
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Maintenance Operative employer: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
Contact Detail:
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific maintenance tasks mentioned in the job description, such as plumbing and electrical work. This will help you speak confidently about your relevant experience during any interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Howletts Wild Animal Park and its conservation efforts. Showing genuine interest in their mission can set you apart and demonstrate that you're not just looking for any job, but are passionate about their cause.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and how you've handled maintenance issues in the past. Be ready to provide specific examples that highlight your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure you have a reliable mode of transport, as the location is remote. Being able to demonstrate your punctuality and reliability in getting to work can be a significant advantage.
We think you need these skills to ace Maintenance Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in maintenance, building, or DIY repairs. Emphasise skills in plumbing, electrical work, and minor building tasks, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for wildlife conservation and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Maintenance Operative position. Mention your proactive approach and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Include any qualifications related to Health & Safety, Fire Safety, and Building Regulations. If you have experience operating plant vehicles, be sure to mention this as it is desirable for the role.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. This could include specific instances where you successfully resolved maintenance issues or improved safety standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
✨Show Your Maintenance Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in maintenance, building, or DIY repairs. Highlight specific examples of plumbing, electrical, or minor building work you've completed, as this will demonstrate your hands-on skills and reliability.
✨Emphasise Safety Knowledge
Since the role involves ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and Building Regulations, make sure to mention any relevant training or certifications you have. Discuss how you prioritise safety in your work and provide examples of how you've addressed safety concerns in the past.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication
The job requires collaboration with colleagues and contractors, so be ready to share experiences where you've worked effectively in a team. Highlight your communication skills and how they contribute to a positive working environment.
✨Express Your Passion for Conservation
As the role is within a wildlife park, showing an understanding of and empathy for wildlife conservation can set you apart. Share any personal experiences or interests related to animal welfare and conservation efforts to align yourself with the company's mission.