Youth Board Member (Volunteer)
Help to Shape the Future of Chester Zoo
At Chester Zoo, we're a leading conservation charity working to prevent extinction. We believe young people have a vital role to play in shaping a better future for wildlife, people and the planet.
Are you passionate about ensuring young people’s voices are heard? We're looking for passionate young people aged 1826 to join our Youth Board and make sure young voices are represented in decisions made at Chester Zoo and beyond.
Why Join?
As a Youth Board Member, you'll have the chance to:
Influence real decisions at Chester Zoo
Help shape experiences and opportunities for young people
Build confidence, leadership and communication skills
Access training, mentoring and development opportunities
Connect with like-minded young people from diverse backgrounds
Work alongside experts in conservation, education, policy and engagement
Gain valuable experience to support your future career
Enjoy a flexible role alongside work, study or other commitments
Receive reimbursement for travel expenses to Youth Board meetings
What You'll Do
As a member of the Youth Board, you'll:
Attend six meetings each year (usually on Saturdays)
Read relevant papers and prep work to support sharing your ideas and recommendations with Chester Zoo's senior leaders and Board of Trustees
Be active members or leads of project groups, focused on areas such as visitor experience, conservation, public affairs (politics) and inclusion
Support youth events and activities
Help to develop opportunities for young people aged 1125
Act as an ambassador for Chester Zoo
Work collaboratively with fellow Youth Board members to create positive change
Full training, induction and mentoring support will be provided.
Who We're Looking For
You don't need experience in conservation or zoology. We're interested in people with different backgrounds, interests and perspectives.
Whether you're working, completing an apprenticeship, studying at college, or taking another path, we want to hear from you.
We're particularly keen to hear from applicants aged 1820 and those who have chosen routes outside of university.
You'll be:
Aged 1826 (on 5 September 2026)
Enthusiastic about making a difference
Comfortable working as part of a team
Keen to share your ideas and listen to others
Able to commit to the Youth Board for at least two years
Available to attend six meetings per year (at least four in person), plus additional events and project meetings
We invite young people who have passion, willingness to learn, or experience in following areas to apply.
Areas of Interest
Politics & Public Affairs Make sure young people’s voices are heard by local and national decision-makers. Help to shape conversations on issues that matter to young people such as nature and climate education.
Visitor Experience & Commercial Growth Help to design inspiring experiences that connect young people with Chester Zoo, conservation, and nature in meaningful ways.
Research, Funding & Impact Gather evidence and share young people’s experiences to support funding bids, secure sponsorship, and demonstrate the impact of youth-led work at Chester Zoo.
Marketing & Communications Use your ideas and perspectives to help us engage young audiences online, on social media and at events.
Digital, Technology & AI Explore how digital tools, technology, and AI can improve opportunities for young people, enhance visitor experiences, and support conservation.
People, Culture & Inclusion Help to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where all young people feel valued, heard, and empowered to take action for nature.
Important Information
This is a voluntary role. Youth Board members are not paid, but reasonable travel expenses will be covered. The opportunity is open to Chester Zoo volunteers, but not current members of staff.
Want to find out more?
Join us for an online information session - Online 3.30pm- 4.30pm on Saturday 1st August. Book your place and receive the Teams meeting link by emailing [email protected]
Chester Zoo Youth Board webpage - Chester Zoo Youth Board | Chester Zoo
Conservation Optimism webinar - WEBINAR: Empowering the Future: Youth Involvement in Governance - YouTube
Key dates
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 12th August.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a group recruitment morning, 10am-12pm on Saturday 5th September, in person at Chester Zoo. (Please contact us for support with travel expenses if this would be a barrier to attending. We are only running one recruitment session that is delivered in person only. Unfortunately no alternative will be arranged and it’s in-person only, no online options are available for this recruitment session.)
For short-listed applicants, online informal interviews will be held during the week of 7th September.
For successful candidates, the first Youth Board Meeting will be on the Saturday 3rd October.
If you have any questions, please get in touch- [email protected]
How to apply - To apply, please click Apply Now.
Youth Board Member (Volunteer) Application questions
Please complete the application questions telling us why you want to be part of Chester Zoo’s Youth Board and what you would bring to the role. Examples of your interest or experience can be events you have attended or supported, clubs or interest groups you have been a part of, qualifications or training, fundraising efforts, work experience, volunteering or what you’ve gained through life experience. You can submit your answers to the following questions by using the application form or uploading a video or voice note and sending this to [email protected] If you chose to submit your answers in any other format than on the application form please write a short line to say ‘submitted via video’ for example.
