At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain the zoo's grounds and assist visitors with exceptional customer care.
- Company: Join ZSL, a leading conservation charity dedicated to wildlife protection.
- Benefits: Generous pension, flexible working, 25 days leave, and complimentary zoo tickets.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in conservation while enjoying a dynamic outdoor role.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and experience in customer service required.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 € per year.
Join our Site Operations team at London Zoo as a Grounds & Logistics Operative. You’ll play a key role in maintaining the zoo’s immaculate grounds, ensuring they are always welcoming and of the highest standard for our visitors. Your day will be varied with both routine and special maintenance tasks, responding to ever‑changing priorities. Exceptional customer care and confident problem‑solving are essential, as you assist visitors and tackle issues independently. This role requires driving a range of fleet and plant vehicles. A full UK or international driving licence with at least one year’s road experience is essential. It is a 1‑year fixed‑term contract, and the schedule follows a rota that includes weekends and bank holidays.
Key responsibilities:
- Interaction with visitors by answering questions and providing directions whilst promoting professionalism and ZSL values and behaviours in customer care.
- Help keep site signage, picnic benches clean and dry off items that may become wet due to weather conditions.
- Litter picking, changing of bins and weeding/deep cleaning of areas whilst promoting high standards of hygiene and cleanliness.
- Driving utility, fleet and plant vehicles in collecting, delivering and removal of items around site and often offsite.
About You:
- Able to work well within a team environment and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience of dealing with the public and demonstrating high level customer satisfaction.
- Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions, including safely lifting and moving equipment where required.
- A full manual driving licence, with at least one year’s driving experience, as you will be operating a range of utility, fleet and plant vehicles.
This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. A DBS check is required for this role. 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.
Grounds & Logistics Operative employer: Zoological Society of London
At ZSL, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant and inspiring environment at London Zoo. Our commitment to conservation and community engagement fosters a supportive work culture where employees can thrive, with generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, flexible working options, and access to wellbeing initiatives. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying perks like complimentary zoo tickets and family-friendly policies.
Contact Detail:
Zoological Society of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Grounds & Logistics Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on ZSL and their conservation efforts. This will not only help you answer questions better but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since you'll be interacting with visitors, think of scenarios where you might need to solve problems or answer questions. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your driving experience! Make sure to highlight your driving skills and any relevant experience with fleet or plant vehicles during the interview. It’s a key part of the job, so let them know you’re up for it!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from our site. It shows you're keen and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application. Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Grounds & Logistics Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Conservation:When writing your application, let your love for wildlife and conservation shine through! We want to see how your values align with ours at ZSL, so share any relevant experiences or interests that highlight your commitment to protecting our planet.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to the Grounds & Logistics Operative role. Highlight your experience in customer service and any relevant skills, like driving fleet vehicles. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zoological Society of London
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Grounds & Logistics Operative. Familiarise yourself with the tasks mentioned in the job description, like maintaining cleanliness and interacting with visitors. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Show Off Your Customer Care Skills
Since exceptional customer care is key, think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully dealt with the public. Be ready to discuss how you handled difficult situations or provided excellent service, as this will show you can tackle issues independently and promote ZSL values.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your driving experience and how you handle outdoor work in various weather conditions. You might be asked to describe a time when you had to lift or move equipment safely. Practising these scenarios will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
This role requires working well within a team, so be prepared to discuss your teamwork experiences. Highlight your written and verbal communication skills, especially in how you’ve interacted with colleagues and visitors in the past. This will show that you’re a great fit for their collaborative environment.
