We are looking for Visitor Experiences Hosts to enthrall, engage and interact with guests through hosting our popular Lookout Lodge and Nature Night Overnight experiences at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. See more details about our experiences here

We are dedicated to and enthusiastic about our animals and you will have a talent for inspiring that same enthusiasm in our guests, giving them a once in a lifetime experience after hours at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Your days will be spent guiding guests on walking tours, some after dark, whilst inspiring, entertaining and educating them about the animals and work of ZSL. With a variety of animals and visitors at ZSL you will be confident interacting with guests of a wide age range, from our youngest, budding zoologists to our lifetime supporters.

The Visitor Experiences Hosts are responsible for presenting all of the talks and tours on the overnight experiences (Lookout Lodge and Nature Night) at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. They should ensure the safety and comfort of guests throughout the experience whilst endeavouring to go above and beyond to ensure guests have a fantastic experience. They are also responsible for staying overnight to respond to any guest issues and emergencies and being the designated first aider for the guests and staff team.

• Welcome guests, and create a safe, relaxed and fun environment
• Entertain and engage guests with animal talks / tours around the zoo
• Be the first point of call for any guest issues i.e. late comers, complaints etc. Oversee and resolve, liaise with other ZSL staff if needed
• Ensure the talks and tours are exciting and engaging, help deliver the experience effectively to a high standard in order to achieve the educational and visitor enjoyment targets set by ZSL

• Excellent communication skills, an enthusiasm for the natural world and a flexible outlook to ensure that every guest has a great experience.
• Previous experience presenting public tours, talks, shows or events.
• Good organisational and problem solving skills with the ability to work within strict deadlines.
• Prior experience of working with children is essential, ideally in an informal learning context.
• An Animal related and/or Performance degree course or equivalent qualification or work experience (desirable).
• A Full UK driving licence (essential).
• An Enhanced DBS Check (essential)
• A First Aid at Work certificate/qualification (essential, training will be provided if required).

Shift patterns are offered on a set basis and all patterns will include a combination of early morning (6.45am-10.15am), evening (4pm-10.30pm) and overnight shifts (for which an additional allowance is paid). There will be regular weekend and bank holiday working.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and know the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and abilities. We actively encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented in this department at ZSL.

Please note: Candidates MUST be available for compulsory training 6th -11th March ahead of their normal shift patterns on week commencing 13th March 2023.

What do we offer?

You will have access to a blended program of Wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program as well as regular webinars and activities around mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. The opportunity to be part of an organisation that is committed to improving diversity and inclusion.

Other benefits include 25 days holiday, life assurance, stakeholder pension (employer contribution is matched up to 12%), complimentary zoo tickets with a 30% discount in shops and online, subsidised canteen, enhanced paternity and maternity leave, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym membership and access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

Ultimately, you’ll know that you’ll help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.