Careers at Colchester Zoo

To apply, please complete the Colchester Zoo Application Form attached to the job description and email it to us along with your CV.

Please note: Some of our Zoo Keeper vacancies are also placed on the BIAZA and Zoo Biology websites.

See our list below for all the current positions available:


Catering Team Leader

Closing date: 19th March 2024
Department: Catering
Location: Colchester Zoo
Employment type: Full time
Salary: To be discussed at interview


Catering Team Member

Closing date: 19th March 2024
Department: Catering
Location: Colchester Zoo
Employment type: Seasonal – Part time
Salary: To be discussed at interview


Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications received, we are unable to contact all of those not reaching the interview stage.

Zoo Departments

A complete building team of carpenters, labourers, digger drivers, plumbers and electricians, responsible for the construction of new enclosures and buildings in the park, together with the maintenance of all our existing buildings.
From washer-uppers and cooks, to cashiers and servers, our Catering team is responsible for running the many catering outlets around the Zoo, providing our customers with an excellent level of service.
As our visitors’ first port of call when entering the Zoo, the team welcomes them into our admission foyer, runs our ticketing office and helps with queue management. The team also helps customers with booking school/group visits and the various animal experience products on offer, as well as selling our Zoo passes, PLUS any general enquiries our visitors may have.
This team is based in the park and deals with First Aid enquiries, any lost children and lost property! They also work behind the scenes to keep the Zoo running with stock control and orders.
The Play Area department are our main entertainment team and look after our smaller visitors! Supervising the Jungle Tumble soft play area and the Crazy Sand Shop, plus painting hundreds of little faces, as well as dressing up for themed events.
This is an extremely busy team that ensures the 60 acres of Zoo grounds are kept to the highest standards of cleanliness, making sure the bins are emptied regularly, the paths are kept clean and clear, and the toilet blocks are all maintained. This department is also responsible for giving our visitors a trip to remember by driving our Lost Madagascar Express train.
The Gardening team might be small, but they have a massive job on their hands maintaining and planting, not just the visitor areas, but the animal enclosures too!
Our busy Retail team can been seen running our new gift and souvenir shop, The Outpost, as well as assisting our admissions team in the main entrance building.
This team includes our learning coordinators who run public engagement events and coordinate school visits and school sessions. The team also coordinates work-based learning. 
This small team deals with all of the PR and promotions for the Zoo, and maintains and develops the Zoo’s online presence on the website, and all social media platforms. Whether it’s designing posters and signage, arranging filming for programmes or creating printed material, it’s a busy department! The team also helps to maintain the digital infrastructure around the Zoo, including purchasing processes, digital screens and operating systems.
A vital part of Colchester Zoo, dealing with job applications, ensuring that all of our staff get paid on time, making sure invoices are sent, and suppliers are paid!
Last but by no means least, the animal keepers form one of the largest teams at Colchester Zoo, ranging from our curators to our trainee keepers, they look after the daily needs of over 180 species to the highest standards possible. They also develop training techniques, which are being used by conservationists to protect animals in the wild!

Animal based careers and work experience at Colchester Zoo

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Volunteering at Colchester Zoo

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Important Information for Applicants

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