Voluntary Student Work Experience Placement

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

East Anglia

Closing date for applications is: 7th May 2028

Sector: Animal Care
Type: Work Experience
Contract type: Part-time
Salary: N/A

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

Animal Care & Monitoring

• Assisting with daily feeding routines across the reserve.
• Observing behavior 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 behavior, 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.

How to Apply

Please send a short expression of interest, including your course, required placement hours, and any relevant experience.