Position Overview & Specifications
About us:
Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in south west England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.
Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Almost 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also a botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Mascot Performer to join our Visitor Experience team on a fixed term contract for our 2023 season. You will be working a minimum of 5 hours a week; hours will vary over a 7-day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. Hours will be variable to meet the demands of the business and our opening times. The pay for this position is age related minimum/living wage.
What will this role involve?
You’ll play a key role in the overall experience of our visitors helping to create happy memories, engaging and inspiring our younger visitors to find wonder and value in nature. You will be either leading the character or perform in the character costume, preserving the identity of our mascot while maintaining the established character, body language, mannerisms and attitude. The role will also involve caring and maintaining the costume to ensure it is always in a visitor-ready condition.
What skills and experience are required?
The ideal candidates will be a confident performer capable of engaging audiences, easily connect with visitors of all ages and abilities and be able to read social cues to understand the level of engagement each visitor may want. You need to be able to work in outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat, cold and rain. You will also be calm under pressure and happy to perform inside a bulky costume. Maximum height 5ft11 due to costume restrictions.
Benefits of joining our team include:
- 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Company sick pay
- Branded uniform provided (as required)
- Relevant internal and external training provided
- Free entry to our zoos for staff and immediate family
- Complimentary tickets
- Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
- Free staff parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to Headspace Premium App
- Employee Discounts Platform
Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertising period for this role. The role may therefore be filled prior to the closing date.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 5 months
Salary: Up to £10.42 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Sick pay
- Store discount
- Wellness programme
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Weekend availability
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 30/06/2023
Reference ID: Mascot Performer