CAREERS AT CHESTER ZOO
Retail Assistant
Job reference:001565
Salary:£25,396.80 per annum (based on 40 hours per week pro rata)
Closing date:02/02/2026
Department:Retail
Location:Chester
Employment type:Permanent
Hours Per Week:Multiple available
Job Description
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a number of part-time Retail Assistants to join our retail team on a permanent basis. Retail at Chester Zoo is an extremely fast-moving department, and we are looking for people that aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in at the same time as providing world class standards of service to our visitors.
The Role
Our Retail Assistants will have the opportunity to work in all areas of retail at the Zoo – you could be working in one of our gift shops, one of our busy kiosks, in our retail stores or be involved in one of our customer activities such as face painting. Duties will include delivering the highest standards of customer service daily, delivering sales targets, visual merchandising of products, upselling, unit cleaning, cash handling, stock control and replenishment. You will also help train, develop, and mentor our many Temporary Assistants.
We have a number of contracts available including 8, 20 and 30 hours per week worked on a 5 out of 7 day basis. This will include weekends, late nights, early starts and bank holidays. There will also be a requirement to work extra hours regularly during our busy periods; including but not limited to all school holidays. A flexible approach to work is required as shift patterns can change due to operational requirements. Please state in your cover letter the contractual hours you wish to be considered for.
The Package
• Permanent contract
• Salary of £25,396.80 per annum based on 40 hours per week (pro rota)
• 33 days annual leave pro rate 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 program
• 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
• Previous experience working within a fast-paced retail or visitor attraction environment
• Passionate about excellent customer service and be a strong communicator
• Enjoy exceeding targets and up-selling
• Have cash handling and epos skills
• Be confident to work using your own initiative to achieve goals
• Be able to buddy and mentor Temporary colleagues to reach the highest standards every day
• Have an eye for visual merchandising and some creative flair to keep our outlets looking world class
• Be able to deal with replenishment of large volumes of stock
• Experience and flair for engagement activities such as face painting and hand animals would be advantageous
Interviews will be held while the role is live , with the successful candidates starting on 2 February 2026. The ad will be closed when successful candidates have been found.
We are Chester Zoo
We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 30,000 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.