We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

The Package

• This is a fixed term contract (maternity cover) for approx 12 months
• 40 hours per week, usually Monday – Friday, but occasionally weekend working is required
• Potential for some home working
• 33 days annual leave plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family
• Cycle to work scheme
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%

Our Requirements

• Substantial experience developing exhibitions and interpretive schemes in a zoo, aquarium, museum, gallery, or similar environment is essential.
• Strong people management skills - supervising a team and managing the work of others.
• Substantial experience managing projects, with demonstrable experience of time management, managing budgets, administration, and planning skills. Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, meeting deadlines and ensuring appropriate quality control.
• Knowledge of legislation and best practice guidance as it applies to the development of interpretation, including copyright, DDA, health and safety, CDM and GDPR.
• An eye for design and a creative approach to interpretation and communicating with zoo visitors. Attention to detail and excellent copy writing skills, alongside the ability to write for a broad range of audiences is essential.
• Audience focused approach, demonstrated through experience in a customer focused environment and understanding of audience segmentation and developing interpretation for different audiences.
• Experience commissioning and contracting designers, artists, builders, and other contractors.
• Strong IT skills: Skilled in the use of all key Microsoft packages and use of digital technologies for public engagement.
• Excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills. Ability to work under own initiative and as part of a team, to work under pressure and to collaborate with various stakeholders across the zoo and beyond.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• A formal qualification with an interpretation element such as a Museum Studies MA is desirable.
• A working knowledge of conservation and/ or zoology. This could be demonstrated by a Zoology or Biological Science degree and/or experience of working within a zoo, conservation organisation or similar environment. Alternatively, the post holder could have a strong understanding of exhibitions and interpretation from museums, galleries, or alternative collections and / or a relevant degree.

Please be aware we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of applications. We would recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you complete the application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live.