About Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo are a conservation and education charity. The zoo is set over 125 acres of award-winning gardens and homes over 21,000 animals.

The zoo was opened in 1931 by founder George Mottershead, and is now run by Chief Executive Officer Dr Mark Pilgrim.

Chester Zoo are the first UK zoo, and only the second one in Europe, to be awarded ISO14001, which is an independent, internationally-recognised standard given to organisations that show a real commitment to looking after the environment. They support and conduct over 70 conservation projects and education in the UK and around the world.

Additionally, they have the Gold award for Green Tourism, inspiring the highest standards of sustainability, efficiency and working practices. They use the latest technologies such as LED lighting, efficient boilers and renewable technologies including solar power to green sourcing using local suppliers and have a range of ethical products.

What is it like to work for Chester Zoo

Leadership

79% of staff agreed:

This organisation is run on strong values / principles

The leadership team at Chester Zoo mirror the company’s values in their behaviour and they ensure values and expected behaviours are ingrained in the organisation. This is so important to them that there is a section dedicated to this in everyone’s performance development review.

79% of staff agreed:

This organisation is run on strong values / principles

Giving Something Back

83% of staff agreed:

My organisation encourages charitable activities

In partnership with the Ignite Teaching School Alliance, they have delivered Continual Professional Development programmes for teachers in 56 local schools, with the aim of supporting them to develop curriculums inspired by the zoo's conservation campaigns and work.

83% of staff agreed:

My organisation encourages charitable activities

My Company

89% of staff agreed:

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

They have a strategic development plan culminating in a new iconic species by 2030. In 2018, they used employee focus groups to help develop their new organisational values, during which 17% of their entire workforce came forward to contribute.

89% of staff agreed:

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here

Benefits:

Charity Activities

At least 20% of staff are known to undertake charitable activities during business hours without incurring financial loss
Development

Non work related training supported