Wild Planet Trust - Newquay Zoo
South West Closing date for applications is: 2nd Mar 2025
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 Experience Guide to join our Animal Experience team on a permanent contract. Hours of work will be 12 hours a week, varying 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?
1. Delivering the Animal Experiences to a high standard and providing a positive and memorable experience for visitors.
2. Delivering high-quality, positive and engaging messages on conservation, animal behaviour and advocacy across the age profile of the visitors.
3. Responsible for the safe delivery of the Animal Experiences and working in conjunction with the Curators to ensure that husbandry requirements of a variety of animals are met to the desired standard.
4. Supervising the behaviour of all visitors in enclosures, including walk-throughs, and providing information to them on the animals in the enclosure.
5. Ensuring, in consultation with the Health and Safety Officer, that all health and safety requirements are met, and 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:
1. 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
2. Branded uniform provided (as required)
3. Relevant internal and external training provided
4. Free entry to our zoos for staff and family
5. Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
6. Free staff parking
7. 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.
If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602.
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