Conservation and Education Trainee (Fixed term) Chester Zoo (United Kingdom)

We have an exciting opportunity for a number of Conservation and Education Trainees to join our Networks for Nature project team, gaining valuable experience with Chester Zoo and our project partners, to support them in a future career in conservation.

Who we are
We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. 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.

Networks for Nature spans c60 square miles from the River Dee to the River Mersey, including Chester and Ellesmere Port. This is a collaborative partnership project led by Chester Zoo working with Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Land Trust, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Canal & River Trust, and Sustrans with the aim to drive nature recovery in a mixed-use landscape, creating diverse habitats for species to thrive now and for years to come. We will empower communities to have an active role in conservation action and stewardship and will focus on making nature more accessible to and inclusive for everyone to enable connection and improve wellbeing. To find out more about Networks for Nature visit Networks For Nature | Conservation at Chester Zoo.

This role
Our Conservation and Education trainees will join us on a full time (35 hour), 12 month fixed term basis, working with us from September 2025-August 2026. You’ll be based predominately from our Chester Zoo site with regular travel across the project area.

You’ll gain a range of hands-on experience and insight into UK biodiversity conservation work, by shadowing and working alongside colleagues from Chester Zoo and our partners. There will be an opportunity to gain relevant work-based qualifications too.

Day to day activities might include supporting workshops, talks and community events and getting stuck into hands-on, practical conservation activities.

This trainee position is intended as an opportunity for those with little or no prior work experience to gain the skills, knowledge and exposure to pursue a career in conservation. Whilst experience may be limited, a passion for nature and wildlife is an absolute must for this role. You might have recently studied for a relevant qualification, been involved in conservation action as a volunteer or this could be your first time venturing into this field.

We’re looking for trainees who have:

• A strong interest in the conservation of UK nature and a genuine connection to Chester Zoo’s mission, vision, and values.
• Willingness to work alongside volunteers and community members as part of a team.
• An organised and proactive approach, with an interest in developing administrative and event planning skills.
• Confidence or willingness to build confidence in engaging with a range of audiences through activities or informal learning sessions.
• A basic working knowledge of computer software (e.g. Microsoft Office), or a willingness to learn.
• Good interpersonal skills with a friendly, open attitude and a readiness to work with others.
• Clear communication skills, both verbal and written, and a willingness to develop further.
• Willingness to work with Networks for Nature partner organisations and attend learning opportunities at different venues.
• Ability to manage time effectively, with a willingness to learn how to plan and prioritise tasks.
• A flexible approach to working as part of a busy, supportive team.
• A full driving licence is desirable but not essential (to drive Chester Zoo vehicles).

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?
Well, where do we start? Here goes…

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.

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 nearly 650 permanent and 500 seasonal team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

The Package

• Fixed term contract until September 2026.
• 35 hours a week, working 5 days in 7, including weekends and bank holidays as rostered
• Salary of £22,221.50 per annum (based on 35 hours)
• 33 days annual leave pro rata, plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• 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 contributions

Due to the nature of the audiences that you will be engaging with, this post is subject to a DBS check.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 31st August 2025. We expect that interviews will take place in early September.

Networks for Nature is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.