Animal Keeper Work Placement

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); Scotland; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Fife Zoo offers a 12-month voluntary work placement for individuals interested in animal husbandry and conservation. Successful candidates will gain hands-on experience caring for various species, participate in wildlife surveys, and attend training workshops. A monthly stipend of up to £150 may be available to help cover expenses. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to animal care and conservation projects in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Uniform provided

Lunch vouchers for days attended

Qualifications

• Studying for, or have completed, an animal or environmental related course.
• Interest in all aspects of animal husbandry.
• Ability to financially support yourself for the entire length of the work placement.

Responsibilities

• Part of the animal keeping teams, working with diverse collection of animals.
• Assist with native species surveys and conservation education work.
• Attend monthly training workshops led by specialists.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Animal or environmental related course at HND, FdSc or Degree level

Job description

Fife Zoo

Scotland Closing date for applications is: 31st Dec 2025

12-month voluntary work placements starting at any point in the year.

This is your opportunity to gain invaluable work experience with one of the UK’s newest and developing zoos. Fife Zoo is part of European Breeding Programmes and manages a range of conservation and native wildlife projects including having wild red squirrels on the zoo site.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be part of the animal keeping teams and will work with our diverse collection of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. You will:

• Receive on-the-job experience in the husbandry of all the species in the zoo with hands-on animal care.
• Assist with our native species surveys, monitoring and wildlife research work.
• Assist with our conservation education work such as handling sessions, tours and engagement activities.
• Attend monthly training workshops led by international animal welfare, veterinary and conservation specialists.

· This role may provide the opportunity to combine your work placement with a ‘sandwich year’ at university depending on your university’s terms and requirements.

• We can also support and provide time for dissertation projects and research (a range of projects determined by Fife Zoo will be offered)

The work placement

• Voluntary work placement for a period of 12 months commencing throughout the year dependent on mutual agreement.
• We only have 3 placements so you will have close support and unique opportunities.
• Comprehensive practical training covering a wide range of subjects, aiming to promote your future employability in the zoo community.
• Full uniform provided, along with lunch vouchers for the days you attend
• Monthly stipends of up to £150 per month may be payable based on appropriate expenses
• We expect full time hours, working 5 days out of 7 on a rota including some weekends, working 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Apply for this job:

Our requirements

• Studying for, or have completed, an animal or environmental related course at HND, FdSc or Degree level
• Interest in all aspects of animal husbandry and the work of Fife Zoo
• Ability to work as an individual or as part of a team with excellent communication skills
• Ability to financially support yourself for the entire length of the work placement, however a stipend may be available upon a successful application.

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

These roles can be flexible so please apply and discuss with us.

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BIAZA, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY

BIAZA's office hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Contact outside of those times will get a response when we are next in the office.

If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602. If you wish to reach one of our members, please contact them directly.

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales number 6789783.Registered Office Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY. Registered Charity Number is 1128168 and SC040783 (Scotland)