Job opportunities

Animal Experience Guide

Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in south west England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff. 

 

Newquay Zoo first opened its doors as a council run seasonal attraction in the 1950s, relocating it to its current site and now permanent home in 1969. Over 50 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of Cornwall’s most popular tourist attractions and a leading conservation and education centre. There are over 120 species of animal that call Newquay Zoo home.

We have an exciting opportunity for Animal Experience Guide to join our Animal Experience team on a permanent contract. Hours of work will be 12 hours a week. Working hours will vary over a 7 day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is £7,388.16 per annum. 

 

What will the role involve?

You will deliver the Animal Experiences to a high standard and provide a positive and memorable experience for visitors. You will also deliver high-quality, positive and engaging messages on conservation, animal behaviour and advocacy across the age profile of the visitors. You will be responsible for the safe delivery of the Animal Experiences and work in conjunction with the

Curators to ensure that husbandry requirements of a variety of animals are met to the desired standard. You will supervise the behaviour of all visitors in enclosures, including walk throughs, and provide information to them on the animals in the enclosure and ensure, in consulatation with the Health and Safety Officer, that all health and safety requirements are met, feeding back any concerns.

 

What skills and experience are required?

The ideal candidate will have GCSE English, Science or Geography or equivalent and experience in working with groups providing face-to-face engagement for children and adults of all ages, including public speaking. You will have knowledge of animal behaviour and husbandry and demonstrate enthusiasm for communicating conservation and biodiversity messages. Level 3 in Animal Care or Customer Service or Education or similar would be beneficial but is not essential

 

Benefits of joining our team include: 

·         33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays) 

·         Branded uniform provided (as required) 

·         Relevant internal and external training provided 

·         Free entry to our zoos for staff and family 

·         Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable) 

·         Free staff parking 

·         Employee Assistance Programme 

 

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.