Experiences Host

We're delighted to share that we're currently advertising for 2 Permanent Experiences Hosts within our Experiences Team. This enthusiastic team adds a dynamic touch to our zoo, elevating the visitor experience with our passion and innovative approach. We provide unforgettable moments that leave lasting memories. This is your chance to be a part of something truly special at the UK’s best zoo!

The Experiences department is a vital revenue generator for Chester Zoo, making a significant financial contribution to conservation by delivering experiences for over 5,000 guests each year. We are responsible for organising, hosting and overseeing our Animal Experiences programme working closely with our dedicated animal keepers to deliver experiences with giraffes, penguins, fruit bats and chameleons to name but a few. We run early morning bus tours, delivering themed guided tours which offer exclusive VIP access to the zoo before the gates open each day. We also work closely with our Food and Beverage team to manage and host our themed breakfast events, including our newest venture- Snow Leopard Breakfast.

With plans to launch more experiences next year, we are a team that is always evolving and have big ambitions mapped out for the future. We are looking for two highly motivated, confident and positive people to join our growing team.

As an Experiences Host, you will:

• Work as part of a highly dynamic, fast paced and supportive team.
• Play an integral role hosting guests on animal experiences providing support to our expert keepers as they deliver an exciting selection of experiences with different species across multiple taxa.
• Step into the prestigious role of ‘Chester Zoo Tour Guide’ to deliver engaging and in-depth content across all of our themed bus tours. You’ll demonstrate a good knowledge of the natural history and management of a large variety of species featured on our carefully planned bus routes.
• Be trained to drive our electric buses in order to take on the important role of bus driver as well as Tour Guide.
• Work alongside our Zoo Rangers and Food and Beverage Team to host our breakfast events, sharing in the excitement of each and every participant.
• Take pride in representing Chester Zoo to the highest standards of professionalism, going above and beyond to provide the best customer satisfaction possible.
• Have very good organisation and time management skills, being able to prioritise effectively and work independently when required.
• Be a confident communicator, able to converse with guests in person, over the phone, via email and even speaking on a microphone to address large crowds.
• Be expected to support the smooth running of the department with additional tasks such as laundry, cleaning, stock management, sales, bookings and till transactions.

The Package

• 2 x Permanent contracts starting in January 2026.
• Rate of pay is £12.21 per hour regardless of age.
• Working on a rota basis with a minimum of 20 hours per week, with potential for up to 40 hours per week depending on the needs of the business during peak times. Your rota will include working regular weekends, bank holidays and occasional evenings. Hours will be significantly more during busy periods.
• Some early morning (7am) and late night (10pm) shifts may arise but are not regular.
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus complimentary tickets for your friends and family.
• 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 are that you will:

• Have a background and proven experience in either customer service, education or animal management (with a relevant qualification in one of the above being desirable).
• Be passionate about excellent customer service and confident in a sales situation.
• Be aged 21 or over with a full clean UK driving license in order to be trained to drive our tour buses (21+ required for insurance purposes).
• Be a strong communicator- this role includes speaking to visitors face to face, on the telephone and using a microphone to address large crowds. You will also be required to manage and lead large groups of up to 40 guests around the zoo, so strong public speaking and crowd management skills are a must.
• Be excited by the concept of becoming a fully-fledged Chester Zoo Tour Guide.
• Be a self-motivated, proactive team player with high personal and work standards.
• Have a flexible and positive “can do” attitude.
• Have a strong understanding of computer systems including Microsoft Word and Excel and be confident at responding professionally to emails.
• Apply a flexible approach to working at a large visitor attraction. Flexibility in this role is key so the successful candidates must be available for up to 40 hours a week on a 5 out of 7 working rota, including weekends and bank holidays.

Although not essential, the following would be desirable:

• Experience gained in a Tour Guide capacity would be advantageous.
• Hands on experience working with animals (zoo industry background desirable).
• It would be advantageous if customer service experience had been gained within either a sales or call centre style environment.
• Demonstratable confidence driving large vehicles.
• Experience gained from working at another large visitor attraction would be advantageous.
• A good knowledge of Chester Zoo’s animal collection and conservation work.
• Experience of EPOS, booking management systems and cash handling.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 30 November 2025. Interviews will be held on Thursday 11 and Monday 15 December 2025.