At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns event by providing excellent customer service and maintaining a welcoming environment.
- Company: Join the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a wildlife conservation charity with a passion for nature.
- Benefits: Earn £12.24 per hour with flexible hours during evenings and weekends.
- Other info: Opportunity to share ideas and contribute to a positive visitor experience.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting outdoor event and make a difference in wildlife conservation.
- Qualifications: Good grades in English and Maths, plus experience in customer service.
Job Description
About us
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The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.
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Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.
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Join us this winter as an Events Assistant at Edinburgh Zoo!
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The role predominantly supports the delivery of Edinburgh Zoo's Giant Lanterns event launching in November 2026 - February 2027. This is an outdoor post, paying £12.72 per hour, with variable hours available at evenings and weekends.
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How you you’ll contribute to our mission:
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In this role you will provide a first-class customer service to visitors attending Edinburgh Zoo’s Events and experiences providing information and assistance to visitors and ensuring that the events and experiences are taking place in an environment that is engaging and well maintained.
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Some of the things you’ll do:
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- Provide first-class customer service by maintaining a positive, welcoming environment, proactive and helpful attitude to all visitors at all times.
- Act as a point of contact for visitors at the event and escalate any feedback to the Event Duty Manager.
- Ensure the event area is maintained to the highest standard and all areas are clean and clear.
- Respond to unexpected situations in a professional manner and seek advice and support from line manager when required.
- Occasionally provide assistance in other operational areas (wider events and experiences at the zoo).
- Building on previous experience share ideas and suggestions to increase revenue and minimise impact on the environment.
- Ensure compliance with RZSS’s policies, procedures and guidelines, together with all relevant regulatory and statutory requirements.
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What we’re looking for:
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- Good achievement in standard grades (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
- Accurate numerical reasoning and attention to detail
- Engaging customers empathetically to link or upsell our products.
- Providing first-class customer care and service, including dealing with customer queries.
- Previous use of electronic cash till.
- Experience of providing first-class customer care and service, including dealing with customer queries.
- Previous work in a range of visitor experience activities.
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This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK and Basic Disclosure check.
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The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010.
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Please see the role profiles for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria.
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Interviews expected to be held: 21 October 2026 (tbc)
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Events Assistant (Seasonal) in Edinburgh employer: The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation while working in the vibrant setting of Edinburgh Zoo. With a strong commitment to employee growth, RZSS provides comprehensive benefits including generous annual leave, a healthcare plan, and a contributory pension scheme, all within a supportive work culture that values innovation and collaboration. Join us in our mission to protect endangered species and connect communities with nature, while enjoying the perks of free entry to our wildlife parks and a fulfilling career in a respected charity.
Contact Details:
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Events Assistant (Seasonal) in Edinburgh
✨Get in Early: Embrace the Seasonal Rush
In hospitality, seasonal hiring can be a bit of a frenzy, so make sure you’re applying early. Keep an eye on when local businesses like cafés and restaurants ramp up for holiday seasons or summer rushes. We can help you stay ahead by tracking application windows—don’t miss out!
✨Join Local Hospitality Groups
Tap into local hospitality communities online or through social media. Groups on Facebook or platforms like MeetUp can be goldmines for seasonal job opportunities. Engage with these communities—join discussions, share your eagerness, and you could snag a gig before it’s even advertised!
✨Show Your Face: Walk-Ins Matter
In hospitality, nothing beats a good ol' walk-in. Visit local establishments and introduce yourself. Bring along a flashy CV and maybe even drop a line about why you’re keen to work there. Sometimes just chatting with the manager can score you an interview on the spot!
✨Use Seasonal Hiring Platforms
Look for platforms that specialise in seasonal positions in the hospitality sector. Websites dedicated to summer jobs or Festival employment can offer unique roles that align with your interests. Don't forget to apply through our website too—companies like The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Events Assistant (Seasonal) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service game, your customer service skills are your bread and butter. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have in restaurants, cafés, or similar environments, emphasizing your ability to handle busy situations and provide excellent service.
Seasonal Availability is Key:Since this is a seasonal role, we're looking for candidates who are flexible with their availability. In your cover letter, mention specific times you’re available during the season and any previous seasonal positions you’ve held. This helps us see you as a perfect fit for this temporary gig!
Culinary Knowledge Can Set You Apart:If you have any culinary certifications or training, be sure to feature them prominently in your application. Knowing your way around a kitchen or having food safety certifications could give you an edge over other candidates when applying for a role at The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Draw on any personal experiences you have in the hospitality scene and how they inspired you to apply for this seasonal role. We love a personal touch!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
With a seasonal role in hospitality-food-service, it’s super important to familiarise yourself with the menu. Be ready to chat about your favourite dishes, special ingredients, and any dietary considerations people might have. This shows you're passionate and prepared to provide excellent service right from the start!
✨Brush Up on Your Customer Service Skills
In hospitality, customer service can make or break the experience. Think of scenarios where you've gone the extra mile for a guest, or how you've handled challenges with a smile. Prepare a few stories that highlight your ability to connect with customers, solve problems, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
✨Flexibility is Key
Seasonal roles often require us to be flexible with our hours and responsibilities. During the interview, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlighting your ability to jump into different roles, whether it’s serving or kitchen support, can really set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, especially in busy seasons. Prepare to share experiences where you collaborated with colleagues to create a seamless experience for guests. If you've got any examples where you helped to lift team morale during busy shifts, mention them! It’s all about showing that you can contribute positively to the work environment.
