Animal Husbandry Voluntary Work Placement 2023

Are you excited by the prospect of gaining invaluable work experience with one of Europe’s leading Zoological collections? Chester Zoo have an international reputation for conservation breeding programmes, research, and education, and these work placement opportunities are practical in nature with some theoretical input.

Chester Zoo is a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo, and we prevent extinction.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll be assigned to one of our animal keeping sections specialising in either birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. You will:

• Receive on-the-job experience in the husbandry of the species you work with, with hands-on husbandry tasks
• Have the opportunity to assist zoo colleagues with collection of behavioural and clinical data, and get involved with environmental enrichment programmes
• Attend monthly workshops arranged to teach other animal management topics including the basics of nutrition, collection planning, breeding programmes, conservation programmes, record keeping, enrichment etc.

The work placement

• Voluntary work placement for a period of 12 months commencing in September 2023 and finishing late August / early September 2024
• Comprehensive practical training covering a wide range of subjects, aiming to promote your future employability, many of our past placements have gone on to follow careers in zoos
• Full 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
• We expect full time hours, working 5 days out of 7 on a rota including alternate weekends, working 7am to 4pm (birds) or 8am to 5pm (all other sections)

Our requirements 

• Studying for, or have completed, an animal science related course at HND or Degree level, or Level 4 NVQ
• Interest in all aspects of animal husbandry and the work of Chester Zoo
• Ability to work as an individual or as part of a team with excellent communication skills
• Ability to financially support yourself for the entire length of the work placement

There are limited number of placements that may provide the opportunity to combine your work placement with a ‘sandwich year’ at University, if this is something you are looking for, please specify this on your application form.

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

You may be able to apply for a small number of bursaries of up to £4,000 available to support those who may face significant financial barriers to their studies, research and career development into animal science.

Interested in applying?

To apply for this opportunity, click the ‘apply for job’ button on this page where you’ll need to complete on online application form, highlighting your skills and why you believe you should be considered for this Animal Husbandry Voluntary Work Placement. Applications from individuals living outside of the UK are welcome, but you will be expected to fund your own travel and relocation costs if successful.