Retail Assistant

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical retail setting – where else could you stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 600 permanent and 500 seasonal team members.

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of nearly 600 permanent and 500 seasonal team members.

As a Retail Assistant, you will have the opportunity to work in all aspects of the Zoo’s retail operation, whether it's in one of our busy kiosks, gift shops, or our off‑site store in Chester Market. Your responsibilities include providing the best possible customer service every day, achieving sales goals, visual product merchandising, cleaning the unit, managing cash, stock control and resupply, and creating lasting memories for our visitors.

• Temporary contract, starting 21st March 2026, until 6th September 2026.
• Rate of pay of £12.21 per hour regardless of age.
• Working on a rota basis with a minimum of 8 hours per week up to a maximum of 40 hours per week. Hours will vary and can be significantly more during busy periods. This includes weekends, bank holidays and evenings.
• Annual leave which accrues based on hours of work.
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus complimentary tickets for your friends and family.
• Free bus travel available on the X1 from Chester and Ellesmere Port train stations
• Staff discount in our restaurants and retail outlets
• Subsidised staff canteen
• Online Discount/Cashback scheme
• Free entry to affiliated zoo’s and collections through BIAZA including Blue Planet Aquarium

• Be passionate about excellent customer service and feel confident communicating with visitors.
• Be positive, flexible and approachable with a “can do” attitude.
• Enjoy exceeding targets and up selling.
• Be comfortable and able to work outside for long periods in all weathers.
• Although not essential, experience gained within a retail or visitor attraction environment would be advantageous.

Interviews will be held on Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th and Monday 9th of March.

Flexibility in these roles is key, so the successful candidates must be able to work up to 5 days out of 7 every week. This will include evenings until 10 pm, weekends, mid‑week and bank holidays as rostered.