Zoo Experience and Education Team Leader

Merlin Entertainments; Ewell; On-site; GBP 35,818,000 - 38,573,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Merlin Annual Passes

Merlin Magic Pass

Company bonus

Private pension

LEGO discount

On-site discounts

Job summary

Merlin Entertainments at Chessington World of Adventures Resort is seeking a Zoo Experience & Education Team Leader to guide a team of Zoo Hosts, delivering engaging educational encounters and outstanding guest service.

You will work with the Zoo Education & Experience Supervisor to run day‑to‑day activities, coordinate resources, and build team capability, helping to elevate wildlife education and conservation messaging across the Resort.

Qualifications

• A genuine passion for wildlife, conservation, and public education.
• Leadership or supervisory experience within a guest-facing environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; comfortable delivering talks to groups.
• Strong people leadership; motivating, developing, and supporting teams.
• Ability to provide positive recognition and constructive feedback.
• Excellent organisational skills; prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach to operational challenges.
• Strong commitment to health and safety, guest experience, and professional standards.
• Experience developing educational content, talks, or visitor experiences would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Zoo Hosts to deliver engaging educational experiences and high guest service standards.
• Collaborate with the Zoo Education & Experience Supervisor to manage day-to-day zoo activities.
• Coordinate resources and support day-to-day operations.
• Develop team capability and drive operational excellence across the department.

Skills

Wildlife passion

Leadership experience

Communication skills

People leadership

Performance feedback

Organizational skills

Proactive approach

Health & safety awareness

Content development

Job description

Zoo Experience & Education Team Leader

Location: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE

Contract Type: Permanent, hourly paid

We are recruiting for a Zoo Experience & Education Team Leader to join our team at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. This exciting opportunity is ideal for a passionate and energetic leader who is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences, inspiring others through wildlife education, and supporting conservation messaging across the Resort.

As a Zoo Experience & Education Team Leader, you will lead and develop a team of Zoo Hosts, ensuring the delivery of engaging educational experiences and outstanding guest service standards. Working closely with the Zoo Education & Experience Supervisor, you will support the day-to-day operation of guest-facing zoo activities, coordinate resources, develop team capability, and help drive operational excellence across the department.

This is a fantastic opportunity to combine your leadership skills with a passion for wildlife, education, and guest engagement while helping create unforgettable experiences for our visitors.

Qualifications & Experience

• A genuine passion for wildlife, conservation, and public education
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or team coaching experience within a guest-facing environment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence delivering talks to groups and large audiences
• Strong people leadership skills, including motivating, developing, and supporting teams
• The ability to provide both positive recognition and constructive performance feedback
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to operational challenges
• Strong commitment to health and safety, guest experience, and professional standards
• Experience developing educational content, talks, activities, or visitor experiences would be advantageous

Benefits

• ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Merlin Annual Passes - 6 in total per year, 1 for you, plus 5 to gift to loved ones!
• Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
• Company bonus
• Private pension scheme
• 40% discount online off LEGO
• 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Plus, many more…

Pay Range

GBP £12.80/Hr.