Events Officer

Join ZSL’s dynamic Events Team and play a key role in bringing unforgettable experiences to life across our two world‑renowned conservation zoos. From large‑scale seasonal spectaculars to engaging visitor events, this exciting role sits at the heart of planning and delivering a diverse and ambitious events programme. Working closely with Event Team Leads, you will help coordinate the logistics, people, resources and contractors that make our events a success. You'll have the opportunity to take ownership of projects, contribute creative ideas, oversee event delivery on‑site, and help ensure every visitor enjoys an exceptional experience.

No two days are the same – one day you could be coordinating contractors and staff training, the next supporting a live event, analysing visitor feedback, or helping shape future seasonal experiences. This is an excellent opportunity for an organised, proactive and hands‑on events professional looking to develop their career in a fast‑paced and unique environment, while contributing to ZSL's mission to create a world where wildlife thrives. This is a dual‑site role, with responsibilities shared across both London and Whipsnade Zoo. The postholder will typically spend approximately 50% of their time at each site, usually working two days per week at each location. The remaining day will be allocated according to operational priorities. Due to the nature of the events programme, the role requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends when needed, with any additional hours taken back as TOIL.

Key responsibilities:

• Event Planning & Delivery: Support the Event Team Leads in the planning and delivery of individual events.
• Seasonal Event Development: Research and develop ideas and material for seasonal events. Under guidance from the Event Team Leads, pull together the project plans and oversee the delivery of repeat seasonal events.
• Contractor Management & Compliance: Responsible for overseeing contractors on site and ways of working. Help support the induction and health and safety process for contractors.
• Event Evaluation & Insights: Support the Event Team Leads with compiling, analysing, and writing up event evaluation reports and visitor feedback.
• Accessibility & Inclusion: Develop and oversee event accessibility plans, ensuring all arrangements meet relevant standards and are fully implemented to provide inclusive access for attendees.
• Equipment & Asset Management: Responsible for the movement and maintenance of equipment between the two sites. Support the Event Administrators with the management of the equipment inventory.

About You:

• Previous experience of working on event operations and logistics, including set dressing and theming event areas.
• Compliance with and promotion of Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Confidence in managing competing priorities to strict deadlines.
• Strong creative mindset with the ability to generate and develop innovative ideas for events.
• Comfortable working in a hands‑on outdoor environment, including extended periods outside in all weather conditions and the movement of equipment.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and problem‑solve efficiently.
• Holds a full, valid UK Driving Licence.

This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

About Us:

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

What do we offer?

• Our vision and purpose – you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science‑led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.
• Pension scheme – we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays.
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
• Cycle2Work – our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
• Season ticket loan – we offer an interest‑free loan for eligible London‑based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.

We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge.

If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at - recruitment@zsl.org