We’re looking for Events Team Members to join our Food & Beverage team at the UK’s number 1 zoo!
The Role
As an Events Team Member, you’ll support the smooth running of weddings, parties, conferences, and other exciting events at the zoo, across our stunning events space, The Square, and our award-winning British gastro-pub, The Oakfield. With exciting plans for 2026 and beyond, there’s never been a better time to join us!
Your role will be hands-on, varied, and focused on ensuring every guest enjoys a world-class experience. In addition to event delivery, you will also support Food & Beverage front-of-house duties within the pub and other F&B units as required. You will also take the lead on small conferences, building positive relationships with clients and acting as a key point of contact on the day.
Duties include:
Assisting with event setups and pack downs, ensuring spaces look their best
Welcoming and serving guests with a friendly, professional manner
Supporting food and beverage service, including serving meals, drinks, and clearing tables
Leading the delivery of small conferences, liaising with clients and ensuring their requirements are met
Building and maintaining strong client relationships to support repeat business and positive feedback
Supporting front-of-house Food & Beverage operations within the pub and other F&B outlets when required
Maintaining cleanliness and presentation across event spaces and F&B areas
Working with colleagues and managers to deliver seamless events from start to finish
The Package
You’ll be working a variety of shifts, including during our core zoo opening hours, as well as early morning or evening work for events such as weddings and corporate functions or late-night opening.
Permanent contract 20 hours per week
£13,218.50 per annum based on 20 hours per week
Working hours vary based on contract, 5 out of 7 availability. Will include weekends, bank holidays and evenings. Additional hours potentially available during busy periods and overtime will be paid.
33 days pro-rata 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
Free travel to and from work on the X1 bus service from Chester and Ellesmere Port
Healthcare plan
Discounted gym membership
Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks
Pension scheme
Subsidised staff canteen
Online Discount/Cashback scheme
Free entry to affiliated zoo’s and collections through BIAZA including Blue Planet Aquarium
Our Requirements
Excellent customer service skills, ideally gained in a similar environment such as an event space
Excellent communication skills and teamwork
A good level of numeracy and literacy, to help with taking orders, reading menus and processing payments
Cash handling experience
Ability to think on your feet and adapt to a multitude of difference scenarios
A keen eye for detail and passion for high standards
Due to licencing requirements, you must be aged 18 or older
Desirable Requirements
Bar and/or barista experience would be desirable
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 up to 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 place of work where else can you see critically endangered orangutans, rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?
We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you submit your application as promptly as possible as shortlisting and interviews may be taking place whilst the advert is live. We reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date.
