Job opportunities

Youth Board Member

Are you passionate about ensuring young people’s voices are heard? 

As Chester Zoo’s Youth Board, our mission is to provide a voice for young people. We ensure that Chester Zoo offers a universal experience, whether at the Zoo or in wider communities, that puts young people right at the heart of it. We work to make sure the next generation are represented in conversation, are engaged with the work of Chester Zoo and are empowered to have an impact on the future of conservation, so that together we can all help to prevent extinction.

If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We are currently recruiting young people aged 18 – 26 years old, to join our Youth Board on a voluntary basis. 

What’s in it for me? 

• Influencing decision makers and Chester Zoo and beyond - a chance to represent young people and make a change for others.
• Boost personal development – there’s lot of training, skills development and mentoring opportunities.
• Ensuring young people are heard – by attending events in person and online and speaking with the press or policy makers.
• Be part of a network – meet like-minded people.
• Access to a range of experts – experience the organisation and the conservation sector.

And so much more…

The Youth Board role:

During your time as a Youth Board member, you will be asked to:

• Attend and contribute to 6 Youth Board meetings each year (usually hosted on Saturdays)
• Attend additional committee, working group and project meetings as required
• Read relevant papers and complete required preparatory work in advance of meetings
• Attend and support our annual Youth Summit in the autumn term 
• Contribute to relevant projects in support of the development of Chester Zoo’s programme for 12-25 year olds, this might be through attending additional meetings, collaborating online or working in small project teams
• Work with other Youth Board members to make recommendations to the Chester Zoo Trustees and senior teams
• Act as ambassadors of Chester Zoo, in particular its youth programmes, and attend events in this capacity
• Maintain confidentiality and act in the best interests of the charity and not let personal interests, views or prejudices get in the way

Youth Board members are provided with a full induction, regular webinars and training sessions about different aspects of the zoo and a mentor to support personal development. 

Who can join the board?

We are looking for young people with a wide variety of interests and skills. You don’t need to have a background in zoology or conservation or know a lot about zoos. The most important thing is being enthusiastic about working with zoo staff and your fellow Youth Board members to make exciting things happen. To ensure diversity, all motivated young people are invited to apply, including those with less experience. 

Our Youth Board members will need to meet the following selection criteria:

• Be aged 18 to 26 years old when they start their role.
• Be able to and enjoy working as part of a team.
• Want to share their ideas, skills and experiences with Chester Zoo.
• Be active listeners and interested in the ideas of others.
• Be enthusiastic about working with the zoo to create new programmes for young people.
• Has a genuine interest in two or more of the following areas: events, conservation, retail, catering, marketing and communications, education, science, animal care, field programmes, outreach, fundraising, campaigning, volunteering, environmental issues, visitor attractions, careers and training.
• Are able to travel easily to Chester Zoo to attend events and/or meetings (meetings are expected to be a mixture of in person on site, virtual and hybrid formats). Most events are at the weekend or during the evening. 
• Commit to attending 6 Youth Board meetings each year and to being part of the Youth Board for a minimum of two years from appointment.

We want to use this selection process to broaden the range of experience and perspectives represented on our Youth Board, and to bring new skills and networks. We are particularly keen to encourage interest from young people who have interest and/or experience in any of the following areas:

• Zoology and/or Conservation 
• Marketing and Communications
• Public speaking
• Education
• Hospitality

Examples of experience or interest can be events you have attended or supported, clubs or interest groups you have been a part of, qualifications or training, fundraising efforts, work experience or volunteering.

 

We’re also really interested in applications from young people who are currently between the ages of 18-22 and/or who are from groups currently underrepresented in the conservation sector, including young people with disabilities and from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. 

This is a voluntary position. Youth Board members will not receive any payment for their time. However a contribution towards travel expenses will be paid. This opportunity is not available for existing members of Chester Zoo staff, although volunteers are eligible to apply.