Job opportunities

12-month Work Placements

Colchester Zoo is home to over 150 species in 60 acres of parkland and lakes. The Zoo’s mission is to provide a first-class experience for all its visitors, at the same time as furthering understanding and respect for animals through education and research. Through visitors’ funds Colchester Zoo undertakes breeding programmes for endangered species and supports numerous in-situ conservation projects via the Zoo’s charitable arm, Action for the Wild and it’s very own UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in South Africa.

At Colchester Zoo we understand the importance of having the opportunity to gain real world work experience and aid career building. Our 12-month work experience placements are open to people who want to build on pervious animal experience and theory, or you want to do a sandwich year as part of your degree.

About the placements

Placements are based on one animal section and due to the nature of the Zoo’s layout, animal sections cover multiple taxa. Some sections have a focus on one particular group of animals such as primates or reptiles, with the addition of other species under their care.

Expected duties include, but are not limited to:

·         Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures

·         Providing enrichment

·         Preparing animal diets

·         Participation in animal training

·         Delivering public talks.

The 12-month placement also has a formal learning programme to allow you to expand your knowledge and gain an insight aiding in building practical wisdom, as well as developing professional skills.

Topics introduced include Nutrition, Welfare, Ethics, Enclosure Design, Business and many more.

Requirements

• 18 years old or older
• Enrolled on, or have completed an accredited animal/conservation-based course
• Minimum QCA recognised level 2 diploma
• Some limited animal experience (farm, stable, rescue centre etc)
• Able to attend full-time, 5 days, on placement per week which may include weekends

Additional Information

All of our work-based learning placements follow zoo operational hours of 40 hours per week, with placements taking place for 5 days out of 7 on a rotational basis, including weekends.

All of our placements are unpaid voluntary roles, and no accommodation is provided.