CAREERS AT CHESTER ZOO
Animal Behaviour & Welfare Industry Placement
Job reference:001569
Salary:Unpaid Placement
Closing date:21/01/2026
Department:Science
Location:Chester
Employment type:Temporary
Hours Per Week:40
Job Description
Animal Behaviour & Welfare Industry Placement – Full-time industrial placement (up to 12 months) commencing September 2026.
Are you excited by the prospect of gaining invaluable work experience with one of Europe’s leading Zoological collections?
Chester Zoo aims to be a centre of excellence for animal and plant care based on sound scientific principles. The Behaviour & Welfare Placement provides experience within a comprehensive applied animal science programme, with the ultimate aim of optimising animal wellbeing.
What you’ll be doing…
Working in a team environment with the Lead Conservation Scientist and Conservation Scientists specialising in Behaviour & Welfare, the Behaviour and Welfare Voluntary Work Placement will:
• Assist with the day-to-day activities of the applied animal behaviour and welfare programme for over 500 animal species
• Learn how to assess animal welfare using the Five Domains model and design assessments for a range of taxa
• Undertake observations of animal behaviour across a variety of species using a range of methods
• Learn how to analyse and interpret animal behaviour data and write summary reports for stakeholders to aid husbandry decision making
• Conduct zoo animal behaviour research projects and have the opportunity to present the findings to Chester Zoo staff, and potentially at a national conference
The Work Placement
• The year in industry placement is for a period of up to 12 months commencing in September 2026
• Full Training with the Conservation & Science Teams
• Uniform provided, along with lunch vouchers for the days you attend
• Monthly stipends of up to £120 per month may be payable based on appropriate expenses
• Full Time Hours (40 hours per week), alternatives can be discussed if you are successfully shortlisted
Our Requirements
• A passion for animal behaviour and welfare, demonstrated through previous work experience and related study (e.g. zoology, animal behaviour, animal welfare)
• Be highly organised and take pride in what you do
• The ability to write reports and deliver oral presentations in a clear, concise and engaging manner
• A desire to learn how science can be used to help support best practice in animal husbandry and through welfare assessment
• Experience of using Microsoft Office software such as Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
This opportunity is only available to those studying at a UK university on a degree programme with an industrial year.
Industrial placements are full-time voluntary positions for maximum of a year, commencing September 2026. Although no direct animal contact takes place in this role, you will attend monthly workshops to gain wider knowledge of modern zoo management.
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Interested in applying?
To apply for this opportunity, click the ‘apply for job’ button on this page where you’ll need to submit a CV and covering letter detailing your qualifications, interest in the position and your university and degree programme
As part of your application, we would also like you to create a short, 2-minute video answering 2 questions. Further details on this will be included within the application form.
Do you want to find out more about these placements? Speak to our experts? Register for our Zoom webinar on 13/1/26 at 5pm!
Register in advance for this meeting:https://chesterzoo-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/2jnUMKa4SeqvybRhQv56Kg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.