ZooTown Play Assistant

Be part of something brand new at the iconic London Zoo!

Launching in autumn 2025, ZooTown is an exciting new role-play adventure for our youngest conservationists, aged 3–8. Children will step into the shoes of zookeepers, vets, scientists, posties, presenters, and more. Exploring the many roles that keep the zooniverse running and make our global conservation work possible.

We are looking for Play Assistants to deliver exceptional visitor experiences across ZSL’s commercial operations. Based primarily in ZooTown, you’ll be a warm and welcoming presence for families as they step into this imaginative world. You will greet visitors and help maintain a clean, safe, and inviting environment throughout the day. While the play is self-directed, your energy and attentiveness help set the tone for a smooth, engaging, and memorable experience.

Key responsibilities:  

• Visitor Experience: Welcome visitors into ZooTown with warmth and enthusiasm, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.
• Play Support: Facilitate imaginative play and gently guide children through the different themed areas within ZooTown.
• Operational Support: Support the Team Leader with opening and closing routines, including safety checks and setting up role play zones.
• Safety Awareness: Be alert to safety issues and report concerns promptly to the Team Leader.
• Visitor Management: Assist in monitoring visitor flow and help manage queues and entry slots.
• Events Support: Support with birthday parties or special events taking place in ZooTown.

• Warm, approachable, and confident. With a passion for engaging children and families.
• Proven experience working with children in a play-based or educational setting.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to motivate and support colleagues.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and committed to delivering exceptional visitor experiences.
• Flexibility to work weekends, school holidays, and during peak visitor periods as required.
• An enhanced DBS check is required as part of this role. 

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.  

About Us:  

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our 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.  

What do we offer?  

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:  

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct  
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you  
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays  
• Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme  
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day 
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops  
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages