Animal Experiences Guide

Closing date: 18/04/2023

• Salary/Rate per hour: £10.84 per hour, £6,764.16 per annum
• Full-time/Part-time: 12 hour but with flexibility in peak times, to include weekends and occasional evenings
• Seasonal/fixed term/permanent: Fixed Term to the end of December 2023

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About us:

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 an Animal Experiences Guide to join our Retail team on a fixed term contract until 31st December 2023. This is a part time role working a minimum of 12 hours, working hours will vary over a 7 day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is £6764.16 per annum.

What will this role involve?

We are looking for someone to help to deliver our animal experiences to guests to ensure they have a positive and memorable day. The ability to be able to answer specific questions relating to the animals is key so you will need to have some knowledge of animal husbandry and behaviour. The experience guide will need to ensure that all health, safety and animal welfare protocols are followed in conjunction with the Curators and Safety and Security Manager.

What skills and experience are required?

As this role involves interacting with the public you will need to be able to communicate with all age ranges in order to deliver positive and engaging messages on conservation, animal behaviour and advocacy across the age profile of the guests. You will be working across departments, so the ability to adapt and communicate to key people, including keepers, curators and the commercial team is key.

Attention to detail is also essential as you will also need to ensure that all relevant paperwork is completed prior to the delivery of the experience.

Benefits of joining our team include:

• 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Company sick pay
• Branded uniform provided (as required)
• Relevant internal and external training provided
• Free entry to our zoos for staff and immediate family
• Complimentary tickets
• Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
• Free staff parking
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Headspace Premium App

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.