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Mammals Voluntary Work Placement – 12-month Voluntary Placements from September 2023 to September 2024

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 Voluntary 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 working within one of our 6 mammal teams. Giraffes, Rhinos, Elephants, Carnivores, Primates or Small mammals within our Twilight team.

You will:

• Receive on-the-job experience in the husbandry of the species you work with
• Have the opportunity to assist zoo colleagues with collection of different data types to inform best practice and environmental support.
• 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 Voluntary 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 people who have completed a Voluntary Work Placement 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
• 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 Voluntary Work Placement

There are limited number of placements that may provide the opportunity to combine your Voluntary 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.

There are a small number of bursaries of up to £4,000 available to support those who may face significant financial barriers to career development.

Interested in applying?

To apply for this Voluntary Work Placement, 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 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.

Please only apply for this vacancy if you wish to be considered for Mammals only, if you wish to be considered for more than one team, please apply for the "Animal husbandry" vacancy.