At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors, sell tickets, and ensure a fantastic experience at Newquay Zoo.
- Company: Join the inspiring team at Newquay Zoo, a top conservation and education hub.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of paid holiday, free uniform, and discounts for family and friends.
- Other info: Flexible hours, full training provided, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team while connecting people with wildlife and conservation.
- Qualifications: Great communication skills and a friendly attitude; experience in customer service is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 12 £ per hour.
Location: Newquay Zoo, Trenance Gardens, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2LZ
Salary: National Minimum Wage
Contract: Seasonal (July to August 2026, Summer holidays only)
Application Deadline: Friday, July 10, 2026
Newquay Zoo’s journey from a small petting zoo to a thriving conservation and education hub is truly inspiring. Over the past five decades, we have become a cornerstone of wildlife protection and a top tourist attraction in Cornwall. There are over 120 species of animal that call Newquay Zoo home including Penguins, Lynx and even endangered Hyenas! We blend conservation with education and public engagement. From lush gardens to interactive exhibits, it’s clearly more than just a day out—it’s a place where people connect with wildlife and learn how to protect it.
The Role
You’ll welcome visitors, answer enquiries, sell tickets and retail items, support food & beverage service, maintain cleanliness and safety standards, and help ensure every guest has a great visit.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide warm, professional service and accurate information
- Handle enquiries in person, by phone and email
- Sell and validate tickets, operate tills and upsell memberships/experiences
- Support retail: serving customers, merchandising, stock checks and deliveries
- Serve food and drink, prepare simple items and follow hygiene/allergen procedures
- Keep all front‑of‑house, F&B and seating areas clean, tidy and welcoming
- Manage queues, visitor flow and play‑area safety
- Support security, access control and emergency procedures
- Complete cleaning tasks, logs and compliance records
- Move stock/equipment and check wheelchair/scooter hire items
- Follow all cash‑handling and record‑keeping procedures
- Report maintenance issues, visitor concerns and operational problems
About You
- Friendly, approachable and confident with visitors
- Great customer service and communication skills
- Works well in a busy, hands‑on environment
- Reliable, proactive and able to follow procedures
- A positive team player with flexibility to support different areas
- Experience in customer service, hospitality or retail is helpful but not essential — full training is provided.
At Newquay Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. That’s why we offer a benefits package that’s packed with perks: enjoy 33 days of paid holiday pro‑rata, free branded uniform to keep you looking sharp, and access to top‑tier training—from First Aid to driving a tractor. Your family can join the adventure too, with free zoo entry for loved ones, plus sweet discounts on food and retail while you’re on site. We’ll make parking a breeze with free staff spaces and support your wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme.
Equality and Diversity
We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships. Inclusion isn’t just a policy—it’s part of our culture. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.
We’ll be reviewing applications and inviting candidates to interview throughout the advertising period—so don’t wait! If this opportunity speaks to you, send your application in as soon as possible. The role may be filled before the closing date.
Seasonal Operations Host in Newquay employer: Wild Planet Trust
At Newquay Zoo, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values teamwork and inclusivity. Our seasonal Operations Hosts enjoy a range of benefits including 33 days of paid holiday pro-rata, free entry for family members, and comprehensive training opportunities, all while contributing to our mission of wildlife conservation and education in the beautiful setting of Cornwall.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Seasonal Operations Host in Newquay
✨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 Wild Planet Trust are constantly looking for enthusiastic seasonal workers like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Seasonal Operations Host in Newquay
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 Wild Planet Trust.
Make It Personal:When applying through our website, use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about working with Wild Planet Trust. 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 Wild Planet Trust
✨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.
