Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
East Anglia
Closing date for applications is: 7th May 2028
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Work Experience
Contract type: Part-time
Salary: N/A
Job Description
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.
This is a unique opportunity to work alongside an experienced team, develop key practical skills, and support the day-to-day running of a busy and dynamic wildlife reserve.
Responsibilities
Animal Care & Monitoring
Assisting with daily feeding routines across the reserve.
Observing behavior and helping monitor the welfare of a range of species.
Supporting basic husbandry tasks and maintaining animal-safe environments.
Reserve Management Tasks
Helping with seasonal habitat work such as vegetation clearing, prep, or fence checks.
Supporting general maintenance tasks around the reserve.
Learning about species-specific needs and how we manage mixed-species habitats.
Visitor Engagement
Assisting staff on guided tours.
Helping 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.
A deeper understanding of wildlife behavior, 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, and willing to get involved in physical, outdoor work.
Good communication skills and a 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 license.
How to Apply
Please send a short expression of interest, including your course, required placement hours, and any relevant experience.