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CZChester Zoo
Chester ZooConservation

Conservation and Education Trainee

Location

Chester, England, United Kingdom

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Contract

Experience

0-1 years

Compensation

£23.1K - £23.1K per year

Posted

4h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

This role offers an exciting opportunity for individuals with little or no prior experience to gain valuable skills and knowledge in conservation through the Networks for Nature project. The trainee will contribute to nature recovery, empower communities in conservation action, and help make nature accessible and inclusive for everyone.

We’re looking for trainees who:

  • Have a passion for nature and a curiosity to learn more about conservation and wildlife in the UK.

  • Enjoy working with people from all walks of life and can communicate in a friendly, engaging way.

  • Are keen to grow their confidence in leading or supporting workshops, talks, and community events.

  • Are open to learning new skills and willing to get stuck into hands-on, practical activities.

  • Can stay organised and manage their time well, even when juggling different tasks.

  • Work well as part of a team and is respectful, supportive, and open to feedback.

  • Are enthusiastic about helping others connect with nature, even if they haven't had much access to it before.

  • Bring a positive attitude and are motivated to build a career in conservation and/or community engagement.


What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes…

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.

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 over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

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

  • Temporary contract until September 2027 depending on start time.

  • 35 hours a week

  • £23,132.38 per annum

  • 33 days annual leave pro rata, 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

  • A strong interest in the conservation of UK nature and a genuine connection to Chester Zoo’s mission, vision, and values.

  • Willingness to work alongside volunteers and community members as part of a team.

  • An organised and proactive approach, with an interest in developing administrative and event planning skills.

  • Confidence or willingness to build confidence in engaging with a range of audiences through activities or informal learning sessions.

  • A basic working knowledge of computer software (e.g. Microsoft Office), or a willingness to learn.

  • Good interpersonal skills with a friendly, open attitude and a readiness to work with others.

  • Clear communication skills, both verbal and written, and a willingness to develop further.

  • Willingness to work with Networks for Nature partner organisations and attend learning opportunities at different venues.

  • Ability to manage time effectively, with a willingness to learn how to plan and prioritise tasks.

  • A flexible approach to working as part of a busy, supportive team.

  • A full driving licence is desirable but not essential (to drive Chester Zoo vehicles).

Due to the nature of the audiences that you will be engaging with, this post is subject to a DBS check. 

Updated 4h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Conservation • 1+ yrs
Wildlife Knowledge • 1+ yrs
Community Engagement • 1+ yrs
Communication • 1+ yrs
Teamwork • 1+ yrs
Time Management • 1+ yrs
Event Planning • 1+ yrs
Microsoft Office • 1+ yrs

Experience

0-1 years

Certifications

DBS check • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Contract

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

£23.1K - £23.1K per year

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyGBP
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationChester, England, United Kingdom
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleHigh8/10
physicalMedium6/10
cognitiveMedium6/10
executionMedium7/10
creativityMedium5/10
uncertaintyMedium5/10
communicationHigh8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Chester Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

Chester, England, United Kingdom

We are Chester Zoo, an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction and the UK’s most popular zoo, home to 20,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We are a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species globally, making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.

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Conservation and Education Trainee

Chester, England, United KingdomContract