Play Assistant (Full-Time / 12 Months Fixed-Term Contract)

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is the UK largest Zoo set in 600 acres of panoramic scenery, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is packed full of wonder and amazement, with over 3,500 animals to meet and thousands more surprising and fascinating facts just waiting to be discovered. ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is part of the Zoological Society of London, an international conservation charity. ZSL’s vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct.

Role Profile

We are looking to recruit a Play Assistant to support the day-to-day operational running of our Hullabazoo indoor play area at Whipsnade Zoo. The successful candidate will contribute to the overall impression and experience of the indoor play facility, including the play area, and birthday party offer, to exceed visitor expectations. This position will report directly to the Deputy Play Supervisor and will work alongside the permanent Play Assistants. As a result, we need enthusiastic, confident, dedicated individuals to help deliver the best possible experience for our visitors. You will also have the motivation to deliver exemplary customer service.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure that visitors of all ages in Hullabazoo indoor play are safe and secure at all times.
• Assist the Senior Play Supervisor, Deputy Supervisor and Permanent Play Assistants to ensure the efficient running of the play facility at all times and the reception area where visitors are welcomed and checked in.
• Ensure that equipment and facilities available in Hullabazoo are kept clean and in accordance with health and safety regulations; and are used in an appropriate way.
• Attend to individual children’s and other visitors needs as they arise and ensure exemplary customer service at all times.
• Support the visitor satisfaction score targets of Hullabazoo are met or exceeded and respond to customer feedback to continually improve the visitor experience.
• Ensure the learning objectives of Hullabazoo are met, as communicated by the Deputy Play Supervisor.
• Sometimes it may be necessary to limit the amount of visitors in the play centre and therefore, with management from the Senior Play Supervisor or Deputy Supervisor the Seasonal Play Assitant, should manage this system of limiting play usage with the use of timed sessions and ensure excellent visitor communication and customer service at all times.
• Carry out any other duties within the scope of the post. Flexible attitude to working requirements to meet the needs of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

Person Specification

Although experience matters to us we are more focused on getting the right person for the role. As a result, below  is a guide on what we are looking for in potential applicants:

• Able to remain positive and enthusiastic with a can-do attitude
• Good interpersonal skills in order to communicate effectively with children, parents and the Hullabazoo team
• Able to have fun whilst remaining professional and approachable
• Previous experience setting up, assisting and scheduling private hire activities, in addition to assisting visitors with their supplies, leftover food and gifts.
• Experience working within a similar environment would be desirable
• A creative flare and an interest in face painting
• Experience working in a fast paced environment with a helpful and flexible attitude
• Able to demonstrate great customer service skills
• Team orientated and able to demonstrate a real desire to make a positive difference
• Prior experience handling cash and processing card payments
• NVQ Level 1 qualification in child care or Playwork would be advantageous, but not essential

To Apply

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button.