Voluntary Student Work Experience Placement
Shaldon Wildlife Trust offers voluntary work experience placements to provide practical experience in a small modern zoo and conservation organisation. The placement allows development across departments including animal keeping, education, conservation and administration, and may include research projects or dissertations if requested at application.
Placements are full-time (5 days per week, including weekend duties) with a 1-month probationary period and are intended for students undertaking a sandwich year or recent graduates seeking a career in the animal care/conservation sector. All placements are unpaid, with a training agreement and training record provided.
Location: Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Ness Drive, Devon, TQ14 0HP. Closing date for applications: 30 September 2025. Contact: Lia Summers (lia@shaldonwildlifetrust.org.uk).
The main role of the student will be to assist with the husbandry requirements of the animal collection as directed by the Head Keeper. Students may work across multiple departments as available.
Objectives of the placement
* To gain experience and understanding of the work of a zoo animal keeping department.
* To develop skills within the education and outreach department, including delivering encounters and classroom educational sessions.
* To deliver educational talks and animal experiences at the zoo to visitors and groups.
* To apply personal skills and take ownership of a series of tasks and/or a research project.
* To reflect on training and experience throughout the placement.
Anticipated tasks and training provided
* Assisting with daily animal husbandry, including behavioural and health observations, nutrition, cleaning, enrichment provision, operant conditioning, and enclosure modification.
* Observations of animals and recording relevant information.
* Training in basic research methods.
* Visitor interaction and responding to questions in a polite and sensitive manner.
* Assisting with student/volunteer supervision under the Head Keeper’s direction.
* Training in animal-management software and company code of practice.
* Comprehensive portfolio building and project work.
Skills Required
* Previous animal-related work experience (not essential).
* Good communication skills.
* Adaptability to different working environments.
* Ability to work in a team and independently.
* Physically fit for the demands of the role.
Apply for this job
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter (no more than 1 page of A4) to Lia Summers at lia@shaldonwildlifetrust.org.uk. Include details on why you are applying, relevant knowledge/skills/experience, and where you saw the advert.
If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend in person at Shaldon Wildlife Trust or online.
Note: This position is voluntary and unpaid. A structured learning programme and a training record will be provided to support future career development.
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