Visitor Services Host - Retail, Admissions and Zoo Town

Purpose of the role

Working at London Zoo isa truly unique opportunity where no two days are the same, and where your work directly helps support wildlife conservation. Our Retail Sales Assistants play a key role in creating unforgettable moments for visitors by delivering outstanding customer service and enhancing their overall experience.

You’ll gain wide-ranging, hands‑on experience across the Zoo, working in a diverse set of fast‑paced visitor‑facing environments including Admissions boxes, the Main Shop, Penguin Beach (with opportunities to support the penguin feed), Tiny Giants, Visitor Welcome, Membership, Zoo Town, multiple kiosks, including the Reptile Kiosk, our seasonal attractions, and our busy exit shop.

This role is offered on a fixed‑term contract from March to September 2026. As our zoos are open seven days a week, you will work on a rota basis that includes weekends and bank holidays. We aim to balance operational needs with personal flexibility, so you’ll receive advance notice of your shifts to help you plan your time.

You will also need to be available to work on Friday evenings between 5pm and 11pm during June and July to support our popular Zoo Nights events, including assisting at the marshmallow fire pits.

The working day typically starts at 8.30am, with the latest standard finish being 9pm outside of Zoo Nights. Shift lengths vary, ranging from 6-hour shifts to 7.5-hour shifts.

• Product & Zoo Knowledge:Develop andmaintainan up-to-date understanding of all retail products, promotions, and zoo activities and be prepared to share this with our visitors.
• Customer Service Excellence: Deliver excellent customer service by warmly welcoming visitors, confidently answering questions, and promoting and selling admission tickets, car parking, group bookings, promotions, memberships, and experience products to help create a memorable visit.
• Product Management:Maintain product levels across all areas by replenishing locations, processing deliveries, and communicating stock problems.
• Department Targets:Play an active role in ensuring departmental sales targets are consistently met.
• Flexible Support:Provide flexible support byassistingwith andoperatingacross all areas that the Visitor Service team remote retail sites, including occasional pop‑up shops outside London Zoo.

• Consistently demonstrates a positive, enthusiastic, and energetic approach to work.
• Communicates effectively with both visitors and colleagues.
• Applies cash‑handling procedures accurately and responsibly.
• Shows genuine interest in and support for animal conservation.
• Comfortable working outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions.

This role is subject to standard pre‑employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of under‑represented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• Purpose driven work – join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.
• Pension scheme – we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and…