CAREERS AT CHESTER ZOO

Conservation and Education Trainee

Job reference: 001740

Salary: £23,132.38 per annum

Closing date: 14/09/2026

Department: Conservation Education & Engagement

Location: Chester

Employment type: Temporary

Hours Per Week: 35

Job Description

Conservation and Education trainee

35 hours per week, temporary trainee-ship until September 2027

We are Chester Zoo

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 20,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.

The Role

We now have an exciting opportunity to become a Conservation and Education Trainee part of the Networks for Nature project. Gaining valuable experiences for a future career in conservation from Chester Zoo and a range of project partners.

Networks for Nature spans c60 square miles from the River Dee to the River Mersey, including Chester and Ellesmere Port. This is a collaborative partnership project working with Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Land Trust, Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Canal & River Trust, and Sustrans with the aim to drive nature recovery in a mixed-use landscape, creating diverse habitats for species to thrive now and for years to come. We will empower communities to have an active role in conservation action and stewardship and will focus on making nature more accessible to and inclusive for everyone to enable connection and improve wellbeing. To find out more about Networks for Nature visit Networks For Nature | Conservation at Chester Zoo.

Who is it for?

This Trainee position is intended as an opportunity for those with little or no prior work experience to gain the skills, knowledge and exposure to pursue a career in conservation. Whilst experience may be limited, a passion for nature and wildlife is an absolute must for this role. You might have recently studied for a relevant qualification, been involved in conservation action as a volunteer or this could be your first time venturing into this field.

Where could this traineeship lead?

This traineeship is designed to provide a broad introduction to the conservation sector and offers experience across the Networks for Nature project. It can support a range of future career paths. This might include practical conservation and land management roles, conservation education and engagement work (including working with schools and young people), or roles focused on supporting and coordinating volunteers and community-led conservation projects.

We’re looking for trainees who:

• Have a passion for nature and a curiosity to learn more about conservation and wildlife in the UK.

• Enjoy working with people from all walks of life and can communicate in a friendly, engaging way.

• Are keen to grow their confidence in leading or supporting workshops, talks, and community events.

• Are open to learning new skills and willing to get stuck into hands-on, practical activities.

• Can stay organised and manage their time well, even when juggling different tasks.

• Work well as part of a team and is respectful, supportive, and open to feedback.

• Are enthusiastic about helping others connect with nature, even if they haven't had much access to it before.

• Bring a positive attitude and are motivated to build a career in conservation and/or community engagement.

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?Well, where do we start? Here goes…

We’re a huge team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.

As the UK’s biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there’s always lots going on here. We’re an inclusive and diverse organisation, made up of over 600 permanent and 500 temporary team members, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office – where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

The Package

• Temporary contract until September 2027 depending on start time.

• 35 hours a week

• £23,132.38 per annum

• 33 days annual leave pro rata, plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days

• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family

• Cycle to work scheme

• 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

• A strong interest in the conservation of UK nature and a genuine connection to Chester Zoo’s mission, vision, and values.

• Willingness to work alongside volunteers and community members as part of a team.

• An organised and proactive approach, with an interest in developing administrative and event planning skills.

• Confidence or willingness to build confidence in engaging with a range of audiences through activities or informal learning sessions.

• A basic working knowledge of computer software (e.g. Microsoft Office), or a willingness to learn.

• Good interpersonal skills with a friendly, open attitude and a readiness to work with others.

• Clear communication skills, both verbal and written, and a willingness to develop further.

• Willingness to work with Networks for Nature partner organisations and attend learning opportunities at different venues.

• Ability to manage time effectively, with a willingness to learn how to plan and prioritise tasks.

• A flexible approach to working as part of a busy, supportive team.

• A full driving licence is desirable but not essential (to drive Chester Zoo vehicles).

Due to the nature of the audiences that you will be engaging with, this post is subject to a DBS check. 

The closing date for applications is 14 September 2026.