Designer

THE WHITLEY WILDLIFE CONSERVATION TRUST; Paignton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days paid holiday pro-rata

Free zoo entry for family

Training from First Aid to tractor

Free staff parking

Job summary

The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust at Paignton Zoo is seeking a talented Designer to deliver a full design and production service. This 37.5-hour-per-week permanent role supports visitor experiences, exhibits and conservation messaging with bold, on-brand visuals.

You will manage signage, campaigns, publications and digital content from concept to final production, collaborating with printers and suppliers to meet deadlines and budgets.

Qualifications

• A relevant qualification in Graphic Design or Visual Communication.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality print and digital graphics.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating visual storytelling and design execution.
• Experience creating branding, marketing materials and campaigns.
• Ability to manage multiple projects to deadlines and budgets.
• Experience liaising with printers, sign manufacturers and fabrication contractors.
• Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality graphic design for print and digital channels.
• Create signage, interpretation panels and exhibit graphics.
• Develop campaigns, publications, event materials and digital content.
• Work from concept to final production and ensure brand consistency.
• Collaborate with internal teams, printers and suppliers to deliver on time.

Skills

Graphic design

Branding

Portfolio

Project management

Liaising with printers

Adobe Creative Suite

InDesign

Illustrator

Photoshop

Typography

Layout

Brand consistency

Brief interpretation

Education

Graphic Design/Visual Communication qualification

Tools

InDesign

Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

Designer DES/MS/1026

Location: Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU

Salary: £27,183 per annum

Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 28, 2026

We are seeking a talented and imaginative Designer to deliver a comprehensive design and production service across Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo working 37.5 hours a week on a permanent contract. This is a creative, hands-on role where outstanding visual design, storytelling and brand communication are at the heart of everything you do.

You will be responsible for producing high-quality graphic design across a wide range of projects, creating engaging visual content that enhances visitor experiences, supports new exhibits, promotes conservation messages and drives marketing activity. Projects will include signage, interpretation panels, exhibit graphics, campaigns, publications, event materials, digital content and multimedia assets.

Working from concept through to final production, you'll develop creative solutions that are visually impactful, accessible and aligned with our brand. You'll collaborate closely with colleagues across the organisation, as well as external printers, fabricators and suppliers, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest creative standards.

An interest in environmental, spatial or exhibition design would be advantageous, helping to bring visitor spaces, exhibits and wayfinding projects to life through engaging and immersive design solutions.

You'll also keep up to date with emerging design trends, tools and technologies, bringing fresh ideas and creative thinking to support the wider Marketing & Sales team.

About You

• A relevant qualification in Graphic Design or Visual Communication
• Evidence of continued professional development, including training or self-directed learning in design software, creative techniques or emerging technologies.
• Significant experience delivering high-quality graphic design across both print and digital channels.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating creative thinking, visual storytelling and excellent design execution.
• Experience creating branding, marketing materials, publications, campaigns, signage, interpretation or visitor-facing graphics.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects from concept to completion, meeting agreed deadlines and budgets.
• Experience liaising with printers, media suppliers, sign manufacturers and fabrication contractors.
• Advanced practical experience using Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Ability to produce high-quality artwork, illustrations, concept visuals, mock-ups and presentation materials.
• Strong conceptual, typographic, layout and visual communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and a thorough understanding of brand consistency and design standards.
• Proven ability to interpret briefs and translate them into innovative, practical and on-brand creative solutions.

Desirable

• Experience of exhibit, environmental, spatial or exhibition design.
• Knowledge of visitor experience design, wayfinding or interpretive design.
• Experience creating graphics for large-format, three-dimensional or immersive environments.
• Familiarity with 3D visualisation, spatial planning or design software would be advantageous.

At Paignton Zoo, we believe taking care of our team is just as important as caring for our animals. That's why we offer a benefits package that’s packed with perks: enjoy 33 days of paid holiday pro-rata (yes, even Bank Holidays!) and access to top-tier training from First Aid to driving a tractor. Your family can join the adventure too, with free zoo entry for loved ones, plus sweet discounts on food and retail while you’re on site. We'll make parking a breeze with free staff spaces and support your wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme. Fancy joining the Firearms team? Opportunities await pending a few conditions, of course.

We proudly champion equality of opportunity for all our team members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage or civil partnerships. Inclusion isn't just a policy, it is part of our culture. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive here.

Job Profile document