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.
- Other info: Work four days a week with a supportive team passionate about wildlife.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 18400 - 25800 £ per year.
Closing date: Monday 29 June 2026
Salary: £31,636.80 Per Annum, Plus Desirable Benefits
Full Time, Permanent Position
Are you wild about creating memorable experiences? Do you want to work in a place where you can hear calls from troops of howler monkeys, or the roars from a pride of lions?
We are looking for a hands‑on and proactive Maintenance Operative to join our Estates team, supporting the maintenance and day‑to‑day upkeep of our unique and varied estate environment at Port Lympne, with support provided to Howletts Wild Animal Park where required.
In this role, you’ll carry out a wide range of reactive and planned maintenance tasks, helping to ensure our guest accommodation, public areas, operational facilities and wider estate infrastructure remain safe, functional and presented to a high standard. No two days are the same, with work ranging from general building repairs, plumbing, carpentry, painting and decorating to estate upkeep and minor refurbishment projects.
Working as part of the wider Estates team, you’ll help maintain high operational standards across the estate, responding to maintenance issues as they arise while supporting planned maintenance activities and wider operational needs.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone practical and adaptable who enjoys varied, hands‑on work and wants to play an important role supporting two truly unique visitor destinations.
Who We Are Looking For
We’re looking for a practical, proactive and reliable individual with hands‑on maintenance experience who enjoys variety, takes pride in high standards of work, and can support the smooth day‑to‑day operation of a large and varied estate environment. You’ll have broad maintenance experience across a range of disciplines such as general building maintenance, plumbing, carpentry, painting and decorating, or similar trades, with confidence carrying out both reactive repairs and planned maintenance tasks. You should be comfortable working independently, able to problem solve effectively, manage competing priorities and adapt to changing operational demands.
As this role involves working across guest-facing areas, accommodation, operational facilities and wider estate environments, you’ll need a strong understanding of health and safety, safe working practices, and the ability to carry out work with minimal disruption to operations. Experience working in hospitality, leisure, estates or other public-facing environments would be beneficial. We’re seeking someone who is flexible, dependable and team-oriented, with strong communication skills and a professional approach. You’ll be comfortable working collaboratively with others, remain calm under pressure, and take pride in delivering high standards of workmanship and presentation. A full UK manual driving licence is essential. Relevant trade qualifications or certifications such as NVQ, City & Guilds, IPAF or PASMA would be advantageous.
Contract Details
The hours of work are 45 hours per week, worked five days out of seven. Working hours will be between 7:00am to 8:30pm and can include 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 this role is predominantly based at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, the successful candidate might be required to work at Howletts Wild Animal Park on occasion.
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 their efforts have contributed 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.
Benefits
- 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising with length of service. (Pro‑rated 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 as well as 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
- Many other benefits and rewards related to length of service
Maintenance Operative in Hythe employer: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
At Howletts Wild Animal Park, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture where every team member contributes to meaningful wildlife conservation efforts. With comprehensive training opportunities, generous benefits including 28 days of annual leave, and the unique experience of working amidst rare and endangered species, our Maintenance Operative role provides not just a job, but a chance to be part of something extraordinary in a beautiful setting near Canterbury.
Contact Details:
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maintenance Operative in Hythe
✨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 in Hythe
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.
