About Dartmoor Zoo
Dartmoor Zoo is a conservation charity set across 33 acres on the edge of beautiful Dartmoor. Our work supports endangered species, delivers vital education programmes, and provides memorable visitor experiences.
With several major animal enclosure and infrastructure projects planned over the coming months, we’re looking for an experienced Maintenance Assistant to join our Estates & Maintenance team and help deliver project work quickly, safely, and to a high standard.
The role
As a Maintenance Assistant, you will play a key hands‑on role in maintaining, repairing, and improving the zoo’s buildings, grounds, and animal enclosures. This is a varied and practical role, ideal for someone with a trade background or broad maintenance experience who enjoys working outdoors and contributing to meaningful projects.
You will work closely with the Maintenance team, volunteers, and contractors to help develop projects whilst ensuring the zoo remains safe, functional, and welcoming for animals, staff, and visitors.
Key tasks:
- Maintain and repair all areas of the zoo site, including buildings, grounds, and infrastructure
- Carry out grounds maintenance to ensure a safe, tidy, and welcoming environment, particularly in visitor areas
- Maintain and repair zoo buildings, animal houses, and enclosures
- Support the creation, development, and refurbishment of animal enclosures in line with the animal collection plan
- Proactively identify maintenance issues and help schedule works to prevent longer‑term problems
- Supervise, support, and work alongside volunteers assigned to the maintenance department
- Assist with the supervision and coordination of contractors working on site
- Act as a positive ambassador for the zoo by answering visitor questions courteously or directing enquiries appropriately
- Support health and safety compliance, including site safety checks, risk assessments, and safe systems of work
- Assist in ensuring tools, equipment, and materials are well maintained and fit for purpose
- Support and coach colleagues across the zoo with basic maintenance skills
- Carry out any other reasonable tasks to support the work of the charity
Person specification
Essential:
- Experience in general maintenance, construction, or a building trade
- Certified trade skills (e.g. plumbing, carpentry, mechanical or electrical), or the ability to clearly evidence practical competence
- Strong understanding of health and safety requirements in the workplace
- Physically able to undertake a wide range of manual and outdoor tasks
- Comfortable using IT systems, including spreadsheets and word documents
- Able to write risk assessments and short reports
- Self‑motivated, reliable, and able to take initiative
- Able to work independently as well as follow instructions
- Experience leading, supervising, or directing unskilled workers or volunteers
Desirable:
- Experience working in a zoo, visitor attraction, countryside, or conservation setting
- An understanding of animal welfare considerations in a working environment
Why join us?
- Work on meaningful projects that directly support animal welfare and conservation
- A unique and varied maintenance role in an outdoor, purpose‑driven environment
- Opportunity to apply and develop practical trade skills on visible, rewarding projects
- Friendly, supportive team culture
- 30 days annual leave (pro-rata)
- Free onsite parking
- Discounts in our restaurant, shop and on zoo experiences
- Free entry to the zoo for your immediate family
- Free entry to other BIAZA zoos across the UK
To Apply
Complete the application form on our website:
https://www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/job-vacancies/
Pay: £25,168.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- To apply please fill in the application form on our website
https://www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/job-vacancies/
Work Location: In person
