Overview
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
East Anglia
Closing date for applications is: 7th May 2028
Contact: Charley Ross (education@watatunga.co.uk)
Sector: Animal Care | Type: Work Experience | Contract type: Part-time | Salary: N/A
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 behaviour 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 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 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.
Apply For This Job
Please send a short expression of interest, including your course, required placement hours, and any relevant experience to:
Charely Ross - education@watatunga.co.uk
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