Play Area Assistant

Colchester Zoological Society
Colchester Zoo

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Job details

Part-time

Benefits

Free parking
Annual leave
Company pension
Employee discount
On-site parking

Qualifications

Guest relations
Performing arts experience
Experience working with children
Communication skills

Full job description

Department
Play Area

Location
Colchester Zoo Enterprises

Employment Type
Part Time

Hours Per Week
Zero-hour Position

Salary
To be discussed at interview

Closing Date
22nd August 2026

If you are interested in applying, send the completed form along with your CV by email to [email protected]

Successful applicants must be able to attend an induction on the 5th September.

Introduction to the Department

As part of our Children’s Play Area Team, you will provide guests with an excellent customer experience by ensuring visitors have access to safe and constructive play activities. The right person for the job must be able to energise and engage with younger guests and adult companions with enthusiasm, motivation and a passion for inspiring and bringing added fun to the visitor experience.

Role Responsibilities

Ensuring that all guests receive a friendly welcome.
Supervising play area activities and events ensuring that guests follow rules and guidelines.
Supporting engaging activities in our interactive and bug encounter areas.
Handling of customer payments within outlets around the Zoo including- Jungle Tumble, Sand Shop and Face Painting.
Maintaining the cleanliness of equipment in the department.
Contributing to special events and performances including on stage, in costume or around the Zoo as a mascot.
Assisting visitors at our Australian rainbow lorikeet, ring-tailed lemur walkthrough habitats and bug handling station.

Role Requirements

Experience working with children is preferred but not required.
Experience in drama or performing arts is desirable but not required.
Excellent communication skills for a range of customer needs and abilities.
Ability to work both collaboratively within a team and individually.
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Working Hours

This is a zero-hour position with the opportunity to work up to 5 days per week during the holidays. Full training will be provided.

Applicants must be available to work at weekends and across holiday periods, after completing a probationary period. Availability to work at least one day during weekday term time is also required.

A limited number of evening shifts are required mainly during special events such as Halloween and Christmas. Finish times vary throughout the year in line with the opening hours.

Working Environment

This job does involve working outside in all weather conditions.
CZS is a non-smoking environment and smoking is not permitted by members of staff whilst on the premises.
CZS is an equal opportunities employer.

Benefits

FREE Zoo visits*
FREE onsite parking
Work place pension scheme
Staff events
Discounts on Animal Adoptions, Annual Memberships and Animal Experiences*
Discounts in the Outpost Gift Shop*
Discounts in food outlets
Annual leave which accrues based on hours of work
Competitive hourly rate
Uniform provided
Regular training
Weekly staff newsletter

Benefits dependent on probation period.

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Introduction to the Department

Role Responsibilities

Role Requirements

Working Hours

Working Environment

Benefits

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