Job opportunities

Designer

Paignton Zoo in Devon and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall are among the South West’s most loved and leading wildlife attractions. With rich, fascinating histories, strong foundations in conservation, education and research, and a diverse collection of over 2,800 animals across both sites, these zoos offer an exciting and dynamic environment to lead.

Both zoos have recently become part of Libéma, one of the Netherlands’ leading leisure organisations, bringing new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and growth.

 

Designer

Permanent

37.5 hours per week

£27,183.00 per annum

 

We are seeking a talented and imaginative Designer to deliver a full design and production service across Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo. This is a varied, hands‑on role where creativity meets practicality, supporting everything from visitor experiences and new exhibits to marketing campaigns and operational materials.

 

The Role

You’ll deliver a full creative design and production service across both zoos, producing high‑quality visual materials that enhance visitor experience, support new exhibits and drive marketing activity. This includes designing signage, interpretation, exhibit graphics, event displays and promotional content, as well as creating illustrations, multimedia assets and concept visuals.

 

You’ll ensure all creative work is on brand, complies with corporate standards and copyright requirements, and is delivered on time and within budget. Working closely with internal teams and external suppliers, you’ll contribute to projects from concept through to production, solve practical design challenges and support the wider Marketing & Sales team.

You’ll also stay up to date with design trends, tools and technologies, bringing fresh, innovative ideas to the role.

 

About You

You’ll be an experienced communications professional with:

·      A relevant design qualification, such as Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Illustration or a related discipline.

·      Evidence of continued professional development, including training or self‑development in design tools, software or creative techniques.

·      Proven experience delivering creative design across both print and digital formats.

·      Experience designing signage, interpretation or environmental graphics.

·      Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects from concept to completion, meeting agreed deadlines and budgets.

·      Experience liaising with printers, media suppliers and fabrication contractors.

·      Practical experience using industry‑standard design software, particularly Adobe Creative Suite.

·      Ability to produce high‑quality artwork, including illustrations, concept visuals or creative mock‑ups.

·      Strong creative, conceptual and visual communication skills.

·      High proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

·      Proven ability to interpret briefs and translate them into practical, on‑brand design solutions.

 

At Paignton Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. That’s why we offer a benefits package that’s packed with perks: enjoy 33 days of paid holiday pro-rata (yes, even Bank Holidays!) and access to top-tier training—from First Aid to driving a tractor. Your family can join the adventure too, with free zoo entry for loved ones, plus sweet discounts on food and retail while you’re on site. We’ll make parking a breeze with free staff spaces and support your wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme. Fancy joining the Firearms team? Opportunities await—pending a few conditions, of course.

 

We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships. Inclusion isn't just a policy—it’s part of our culture. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.