Job Description

About Us

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for conservation science and applied conservation. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries across the globe and through education and awareness-raising at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

Role Profile

We are looking to recruit a Play Assistant to support the day-to-day operational running of our Hullabazoo indoor play area at Whipsnade Zoo for our best ever summer season at ZSL. The successful candidate will contribute to the overall impression and experience of the indoor play facility, including the play area, and birthday party offer, to exceed visitor expectations. This position will report directly to the Deputy Play Supervisor and will work alongside the permanent Play Leaders. As a result, we need energetic, fast thinkers with bags of fun and enthusiasm to help deliver the best possible experience for our visitors.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure that visitors of all ages in Hullabazoo indoor play are safe and secure at all times.
• Assist the Senior Play Supervisor, Deputy Supervisor and Permanent Play Assistants to ensure the efficient running of the play facility at all times and the reception area where visitors are welcomed and checked in.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities available in Hullabazoo are kept clean and in accordance with health and safety regulations; and are used in an appropriate way.
• Attend to individual children’s and other visitors needs as they arise and ensure exemplary customer service at all times.
• Support the visitor satisfaction score targets of Hullabazoo are met or exceeded and respond to customer feedback to continually improve the visitor experience.
• Ensure the learning objectives of Hullabazoo are met, as communicated by the Deputy Play Supervisor.
• Sometimes it may be necessary to limit the amount of visitors in the play centre and therefore, with management from the Senior Play Supervisor or Deputy Supervisor the Seasonal Play Assitant, should manage this system of limiting play usage with the use of timed sessions and ensure excellent visitor communication and customer service at all times.
• Carry out any other duties within the scope of the post. Flexible attitude to working requirements to meet the needs of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Person Specification

Although experience matters to us we are more focused on getting the right person for the role. As a result, below  is a guide on what we are looking for in potential applicants:

• Able to remain positive and enthusiastic with a can-do attitude
• Good interpersonal skills in order to communicate effectively with children, parents and the Hullabazoo team
• Able to have fun whilst remaining professional and approachable
• Previous experience setting up, assisting and scheduling private hire activities, in addition to assisting visitors with their supplies, leftover food and gifts.
• Experience working within a similar environment would be desirable
• A creative flare and an interest in face painting
• Experience working in a fast paced environment with a helpful and flexible attitude
• Able to demonstrate great customer service skills
• Team orientated and able to demonstrate a real desire to make a positive difference
• Prior experience handling cash and processing card payments
• NVQ Level 1 qualification in child care or Playwork would be advantageous, but not essential

Please note: As mentioned in the job title this is a Seasonal position offering various hours (but will involve weekend and bank holiday working) and will cover the following period (April – Sept). If you think you have what we need, we would love to have you working with us. Below you will find a full job description and instructions as to how you can apply.

To Apply

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding these positions or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Thursday 26th April 2018

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.