Living Collections - Mammal Support Volunteer
WWT Slimbridge (Centre)
Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT. Closing date for applications is: 14th Sep 2025
At WWT, we shape unforgettable experiences. We bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. In this role you will help to look after our Asian Small-Clawed Otters and Back from the Brink exhibits (which include Water Voles and Harvest Mice) and engage with the public in understanding more about these species and the conservation threats they face.
What will you be doing?
Duties may include some or all of the following:
* Helping to prepare the mammal areas for opening at the beginning of each day – checking exhibits, cleaning windows and public area; ensuring all are correct and safe before the visitors arrive.
* Food preparation and feeding of off show and on show species.
* Cleaning and maintaining of all animal areas.
* Interaction with visitors, answering questions and assisting keeper with public presentations.
* Possible assistance in the Ectotherm Section and Living Wetland Theatre.
* Ensure the safety, welfare and enjoyment of the visiting public.
Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.
To help our teams and minimise disappointment for people kind enough to want to support us, we might take roles down before the closing date if we get a lot of applications. To avoid disappointment, apply as soon as possible and give us as much detail as possible in your application. We will be in touch with all applicants after the role has closed. If you do miss a role, or are looking for something particular, you can sign up to opportunity alerts.
If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email volunteering@wwt.org.uk or leave a message at 01453 891 231 with your name and number.
About You
No formal qualifications are required. However, this role will suit you if you have formal or informal experience or an understanding of animal husbandry and are:
* Practical and physically able.
* Over the age of 18.
* Able to reliably give us 7.5 - 15 hours of their time a week.
* Able to work in a team of staff and volunteers.
* Experienced in a visitor service environment with a strong commitment to excellent customer service.
* Experienced in mammal husbandry (desirable).
* Proactive and able to work under the direction of the Mammal team as well as lone working.
* Keen to support the work of WWT.
* Sociable and customer-focused.
About Us
We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.
Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.
Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?
Why you'll love volunteering at WWT
* Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
* Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
* Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
* Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
* Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
* Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life
Apply for this job
Please visit our webpage for more information on this exciting role and to apply:
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)
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