General Operative - Planned and Preventative Maintenance
Location: Paignton Zoo, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU
Salary: £25,650.95 per annum
Application Deadline: Sunday, July 6, 2025
Job Summary
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 southwest England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by visitors and the expertise of our staff.
Paignton Zoo, opened in 1923, is one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions, home to over 230 species of animals and over 4,000 plant species.
We have an exciting opportunity for a General Operative to join our Maintenance team on a permanent contract. This is a full-time role, working 38.75 hours over 5 days, with hours varying over a 7-day rota, including weekends. The salary is £25,650.95 per year.
What will this role involve?
Undertaking repairs, projects, and maintenance work on site, focusing on planned works such as fences, gutters, drains, and basic decorating. Tasks include constructing animal equipment, domestic plumbing, emergency glazing, and operating machinery and power tools with relevant training. The role involves supporting other team members and liaising with departments for volunteer safety supervision.
What skills and experience are required?
A trade-related City and Guilds/NVQ2 qualification or equivalent experience is advantageous. Experience in building renovations or mechanical engineering, reactive and planned maintenance, and safety systems in construction is required. Skills in using hand and power tools efficiently are essential. A driving license is mandatory. Additional skills like basic plumbing, minor installations, and plant operator licenses are desirable.
Benefits include:
* 33 days paid holiday (including Bank Holidays)
* Company sick pay – 12 weeks full pay, 12 weeks half pay
* Branded uniform
* Training opportunities
* Free zoo entry for staff and family
* Discounts in catering and retail outlets
* Free staff parking
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Paid medical leave
* Enhanced family leave
We are committed to equality and encourage applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, religion, or marriage.
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