About the Company

Escapade Group Limited operate the ultimate indoor and outdoor adventure parks. Currently operating three popular brands across five sites, the business has ambitious plans to continue growing and expanding. At present, there is an established Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park & Zoo at Epsom and two Kidspace indoor play and children’s party venues at Croydon and Romford. 

Hobbledown Heath Adventure Farm Park & Zoo and Gripped London! a new high rope course and Adrenaline Park have both just recently opened in Hounslow, West London. We welcome over 700,000 people a year through our doors and host over 3000 birthday parties a year. 

Our volunteer programme.

At Hobbledown, we aim to ensure all of our volunteers have an enjoyable time whilst working with us and preparing them in taking their next steps in the animal industry. Whilst volunteering with us, you will have the opportunity to develop your confidence in customer service and education and also developing a variety of practical husbandry skills which we hope can be taken with you throughout your animal career. 

What will you be doing?

Education is a key part of working in a modern-day zoo, on a typical day our volunteers are at the forefront of this, working in a variety of our 6 animal walkthroughs engaging with the public to ensure they have a fantastic educational day out. During quieter periods you will be shadowing our keepers learning a variety of skills ranging from mucking out to training and enrichment.

1. Customer Service

• Interacting with visitors who come through our walkthroughs, delivering a fun and educational experience. 

• Act as a point of contact for visitors, answer questions, give directions and always engage positively with visitors. 
• Report any issues or problems to the Line Manager to drive continuous improvement. 
• Deliver outstanding customer service and demonstrate positive body language to all visitors. 
• Drive and encourage positive online social media reviews such as Trip Advisor, Facebook, and Google. 
• Offer a positive first response when handling visitor feedback, complaints, or queries. 

• Escalate any visitor issues to the Line Manager if unable to resolve and conclude. 
• Call for First Aid assistance should any accidents or incidents occur. 

 2.Presentation & Standards/Cleanliness

• Ensure cleanliness standards are always maintained to a high standard and take pride in the appearance of the animal exhibits and park. 
• Dispose of all rubbish and animal waste correctly. 
• Handle cleaning materials and chemicals correctly and in line with COSHH training.

1. Standard Operating Procedures

• Assist the animal keepers in following and completing opening and closing checklists in line with the standard operating procedures for the animal team. 
• Oversee capacity limits for the animal walkthrough areas. 

1. Health & Safety

• Responsible for complying with the company policy regarding Health & Safety. 
• Ensure job role is performed safely in line with the standard operating procedure and any specific safety controls. 
• Ensure hygiene standards are adhered to in specific work area. 
• Report any Health & Safety issues, potential hazards, accidents or near misses to your Line Manager, Duty Manager, or member of the Management team immediately. 

Who are we looking for?

Over 17 years of age.

Friendly, polite, confident people, who are comfortable speaking to guests, (or willing to gain confidence in this area) and being part of the team.

We don’t expect you to be an animal expert but an interest and knowledge of animals and zoos would be advantageous.

You should also be willing to learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions, and learn basic knowledge about the animals that are in the walkthrough's, you will be provided with this information, but we ask that you do your best to learn it so that you can answer questions without having to refer to your notes.

Happy to be outside in all weather conditions.

A good level of physical fitness – working with animals means spending most of your day on your feet and some tasks require stamina.

Reliable and regular. We ask that our volunteers are able to attend at least one regular day a week from either: 8am - 5pm, 8-1, 10 - 3pm or 1 - 5pm.

We are initially offering the placement for 1 month and then your placement will be reviewed, but ideally you will be willing to commit to at least 6 months.

What’s in it for you?

Gain valuable animal husbandry experience to enhance your cv.

Gain an insight and expand your knowledge into conservation, zoo husbandry and animal welfare.

Spend some time away from your work or find a new hobby in caring for animals.

The opportunity to work with experienced animal keepers and other volunteers who will assist you in expanding your skills and knowledge.