Logistics Operative

Based at the iconic Whipsnade Zoo, this hands-on role plays a vital part in supporting the day-to-day operations that help keep the UK’s largest zoo running smoothly. You'll work closely with the wider team to help achieve departmental goals and ensure essential services across the site operate efficiently.

Your responsibilities will span a wide range of practical tasks, including driving, conducting routine vehicle checks, and supporting the transportation of materials, animal food, waste, and sometimes the animals themselves. You will also assist with key operational areas such as the post room, animal food stores, warehouse duties, and logistical support between Whipsnade and London Zoo.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a dynamic environment, working behind the scenes at a world-renowned conservation zoo.

Key responsibilities:  

• Operate Zoo Vehicles: Safely drive and operate a variety of vehicles across the site as required, supporting daily operations and logistics.
• Maintain High Site Standards: Contribute to the overall presentation of Whipsnade Zoo by undertaking regular litter picking, bin management, and cleaning duties across the site in line with business needs.
• Support Zoo Operations: Assist in the collection and delivery of heavy items across ZSL’s sites and externally. 
• Event and Site Set-Up: Help prepare for events and functions by setting up equipment, erecting temporary fencing (e.g., Heras fencing), and ensuring supplies are properly stored and managed within warehouse and storage areas.

• You hold a full, clean UK driving licence, including Category C1, enabling you to operate a range of vehicles safely and confidently.
• You're comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, with a positive and flexible approach to physical, hands-on work.
• You possess a good level of literacy and numeracy, ensuring accuracy in daily tasks, record-keeping, and communication.
• You have strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team and interact professionally with colleagues across departments.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.  

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.  

What do we offer?  

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include: 

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct  
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you  
• Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays  Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme  
• Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day 
• Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops  
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle  
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work 
• Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages