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Voluntary Student Work Experience Placement

BRITISH AND IRISH ASSOCIATION OF ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
Part-time
6th May 2028

Voluntary Student Work Experience Placement

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

East Anglia

Closing date for applications is: 7th May 2028

Contact:Charley Ross (

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.

What You’ll Be Involved In

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