Job opportunities

Zoo Team member- Part time

The Escapade Group is a dynamic leisure and attractions company, owning and operating five unique visitor destinations within the M25 as well as Watermouth castle. Together, our parks welcome over 1 million guests each year, host thousands of events and birthday parties, and create memorable experiences for families, schools, and animal lovers alike.

We are now looking for an energetic and enthusiastic Part time Zoo Team Member to join the team at Hobbledown Epsom, one of our flagship attractions. You’ll have a minimum of a Level 3 qualification in Animal Care (or equivalent) and a minimum of one years experience (paid or volunteering) in a relevant animal role.

Your primary responsibility will be to support the safe and efficient delivery of the daily farm and zoo operations — ensuring exceptional animal welfare, engaging guest experiences, and the smooth running of our animal department.

You will carry out hands-on keeper duties with a variety of species, taking responsibility for all aspects of animal care including daily cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and training — always following strict safety protocols and operational procedures.

You’ll also be part of delivering our popular public talks, educational sessions, and close-up animal experiences such as Junior Zookeeper for a Day, meet-and-greets, and supervised walkthroughs.

Main Responsibilities

1. Animal Husbandry & Guest Experiences

• Daily care, cleaning, and feeding of assigned animals and enclosures.
• Diet preparation and feeding as per written diet sheets, delivering enrichment and training under the direction of the Assistant Zoo Manager and the Group Zoo Operations Manager.
• Monitoring animal behaviour, health, and welfare, reporting any issues promptly.
• Assisting with animal movement, training, and handling.
• Delivering engaging educational talks, workshops, and experiences for guests.
• Maintaining exhibits and completing all checks in line with Zoo Licensing requirements.

2. Customer Service

• Act as a positive point of contact for visitors, providing directions, answering questions, and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
• Report guest feedback, complaints, or incidents to the Assistant Zoo Manager or Group Zoo Operations Manager.
• Handle visitor queries professionally, escalating when necessary.
• Follow procedures for accidents or first aid incidents.

3. Presentation & Standards

• Keep enclosures clean and well-presented at all times.
• Maintain the cleanliness of public areas linked to the animal section.
• Safely dispose of animal waste and follow COSHH guidelines for cleaning materials.

4. Standard Operating Procedures

• Complete all opening and closing checklists.
• Prepare and deliver diets, and clean enclosures following approved protocols.
• Carry out any tasks as directed by the Assistant Zoo Manager or Group Zoo Operations Manager.

5. Health & Safety

• Follow company Health & Safety policies and safe working practices.
• Report hazards, accidents, or near misses immediately.
• Maintain hygiene standards in all work areas.

6. Performance & Training

• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Take part in training and development opportunities to enhance your skills.
• Work effectively as part of a team, communicating clearly with colleagues across all departments.

Key Performance Indicators

• Guest feedback and online reviews (TripAdvisor, Facebook, Google).
• Zoo inspections and audits.
• Opening & closing checklist compliance.

Profile

• Level 3 Diploma in Animal Care or equivalent qualification, or comparable paid experience in a zoo or farm park setting.
• A genuine passion for animal welfare and guest engagement.