Voluntary Student Work Experience Placement

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A wildlife conservation organization is offering a voluntary student work experience placement in the UK at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. This role provides hands-on experience in animal care, reserve management, and conservation education. Responsibilities include daily animal monitoring, habitat maintenance, and visitor engagement. Ideal candidates are students studying relevant subjects, motivated to work outdoors, and possess good communication skills. A UK driving license is required, and the placement is unpaid.

Benefits

Practical experience relevant for careers in wildlife conservation

Training from knowledgeable staff

Reference upon successful completion

Qualifications

• Students studying animal management, zoology, ecology, or environmental science.
• Good communication skills and genuine interest in wildlife and conservation.
• Ability to follow instructions and work safely around animals.

Responsibilities

• Daily feeding routines and observe animal behaviour.
• Assist in habitat maintenance and reserve management.
• Engage with visitors and communicate conservation messages.

Skills

Good communication skills

Enthusiasm for wildlife

Willingness to engage in outdoor work

Education

Students in animal management or related fields

Job description

Voluntary Student Work Experience Placement

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, East Anglia

Closing date for applications: 7th May 2028

We’re offering an exciting hands‑on work placement for students looking to build real‑world experience in wildlife care, reserve management and conservation education.

What You’ll Be Involved In

• Animal Care & Monitoring: Daily feeding routines, observe behaviour, assist in husbandry tasks, maintain animal‑safe environments.
• Reserve Management Tasks: Seasonal habitat work such as vegetation clearing, prep or fence checks, general maintenance around the reserve, learn species‑specific needs and mixed‑species habitat management.
• Visitor Engagement: Assist staff on guided tours, communicate conservation messages to the public.

What You’ll Gain

• Practical experience highly relevant to careers in animal care, zoo keeping, wildlife rehabilitation or conservation.
• Deeper understanding of wildlife behaviour, welfare standards and species management.
• Training and guidance from knowledgeable staff.
• Experience in both public‑facing and behind‑the‑scenes elements of reserve life.
• A reference upon successful completion of the placement.

Who We’re Looking For

• Students studying animal management, zoology, ecology, environmental science or similar.
• Enthusiastic, motivated, willing to get involved in physical, outdoor work.
• Good communication skills, genuine interest in wildlife and conservation.
• Able to follow instructions and work safely around animals.
• Previous animal experience is a bonus but not essential.

Additional Information

• Placements are unpaid.
• Students must be aged 18+.
• You must have a valid UK driving licence.

Apply for this job

Please send a short expression of interest, including your course, required placement hours, and any relevant experience to:

BIAZA – email: [e-mail] – phone: [phone]