At a Glance
- Tasks: Join ZSL's Events Team to create unforgettable experiences at our conservation zoos.
- Company: ZSL, a leader in wildlife conservation with a vibrant events culture.
- Benefits: Generous pension, flexible working, 25 days leave, and complimentary zoo tickets.
- Other info: Dynamic role across two sites with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting events that inspire and empower wildlife conservation.
- Qualifications: Experience in event operations, strong creativity, and a valid UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
Inclusion and Diversity
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.
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.
Events Officer employer: Zoological Society of London
Join ZSL, a leading conservation organisation, as an Events Officer and immerse yourself in a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and collaboration. With generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, you'll thrive in an environment dedicated to inspiring conservation efforts while enjoying unique experiences at both London and Whipsnade Zoos. This role not only offers the chance to develop your skills in event management but also allows you to contribute meaningfully to wildlife conservation.
Contact Details:
Zoological Society of London Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Events Officer
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Zoological Society of London.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Zoological Society of London.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Zoological Society of London.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Zoological Society of London. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Events Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Zoological Society of London. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Events Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoological Society of London
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Zoological Society of London. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
