Administration volunteers
Administration volunteers assist various departments with general administration, including record keeping, standard letters, mail-outs, filing, statistics and other organisational needs.
ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Zoos
Role description
We are looking for people who have previous office experience, are adaptable with a “ can-do “ attitude, and are able to fulfil set tasks with minimal supervision.
These volunteering opportunities would suit someone who would prefer to offer their time in an indoor environment. Generally speaking, these opportunities are weekdays only. Knowledge of Word documents and Excel spreadsheets is useful.
The day starts at 9.00 am (but may be flexible) and volunteers should be able to arrive at the Zoo by this time. The day ends at 5.00pm (winter) and 5.30pm (summer).
Before you consider applying, we strongly recommend that you work out train times and costs and journey time door-to-door - it may take longer than you first imagine.
Given our experience with volunteers who live long distances, your application may not be successful. If you live outside London, or, for the Whipsnade opportunity, not within local driving distance, we suggest you approach a volunteer opportunity in your area.
Volunteers are supervised and trained by the department staff and the first six duty days are considered as a trial period during which time, the Team Leader takes new volunteers through a structured induction programme.
N.B. Volunteers must be over 18.
Commitment
We require a regular and reliable commitment of one day per week, or one day per fortnight. Reliability is very important.
We also generally ask for an ability to offer a minimum of 6 months. Alternatively, you may be able to do a block of 2-3 months on 3 or more days a week.
What do volunteers get out of it?
- An opportunity to be involved in an international conservation charity
- An opportunity to experience life behind-the-scenes in the world’s most famous zoo
- Complimentary zoo tickets (after one season’s regular attendance)
On-going support
ZSL has staff at both sites who run the Volunteer Scheme and support volunteers.
What we ask for:
- Reliability
- A regular commitment
- A “can-do” attitude
- An interest in animals and conservation
- Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
- Knowledge of office systems, Word and Excel databases. Keyboard skills, confidence in phone use and general “ common sense”.
How to get to ZSL London Zoo
For directions: www.streetmap.co.uk; key in ZSL London Zoo’s postcode NW1 4RY.
Nearest tube stations: Camden Town (12 mins walk or 274 bus) or Baker Street (20 mins walk or 274 bus from Gloucester Place).
How to get to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
You will need to have your own transport to volunteer at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, which is in the countryside in the Dunstable area.
Volunteers need to live within easy reach of the Zoo. We will cover the cost of local travel, (or mileage for Whipsnade) if you don’t already have a season ticket or travel card for work purposes.
Applying for a volunteer opportunity
Before completing the application form, please give careful consideration as to whether you can offer a regular and reliable commitment over a specified period of time. There are many applicants for each placement and we wish to offer them to people who are able to be of use to our busy staff.
- Please complete an application form (see below) and return it as soon as possible to the Volunteer Co-ordinator, ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY for the ZSL London Zoo opportunity and to the Volunteer Co-ordinator, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Beds, LU6 2LF.
- Due to the importance of recruiting people with the right skills and an ability to make a regular commitment, not everyone will be short-listed, and acceptance onto the scheme is subject to an informal interview.
- Volunteer applicants will be asked to confirm their right to work in the UK.
- If selected, you will be required to attend a ZSL staff induction day at some point.
