Voluntary Student

Shaldon Wildlife Trust is a small zoo on the Devon coast. Set in an acre of woodland, we are one of the smallest members of BIAZA and EAZA. Despite this we are active members of the zoo community and support conservation projects all over the word. Over the years we have gained a great deal of expertise in the breeding of many species, particularly endangered species, and are regarded highly in this field.

We are currently advertising for student work experience placements of 9-12 months (with a 1-month probationary period). Shaldon Wildlife Trust is open every day and the placements will be full time i.e. 5 days a week including weekend duties. The main role of the students will be to assist with the husbandry requirements of the animal collection as directed by the Head Keeper in charge.

The programme is aimed at students undertaking a further or higher education course requiring a sandwich year in industry placement within their degree, or recent graduates who are seeking a career in the animal care/conservation sector or similar.

All placements are purely voluntary and as such it is with regret that Shaldon Wildlife Trust cannot provide any financial support or expenses to those wishing to apply for these opportunities and there will be no promise of future work within the collection at the end of the placement. To ensure that students are provided with a valuable experience, a training agreement will be completed and reviewed regularly, and a training record will be provided upon completion of the placement.

As this position is voluntary and therefore unpaid we recognise that this takes a level of commitment from individuals, therefore we aim to provide each student with a structured learning programme to help them in their future careers. Most of our previous students have gone on to achieve their goals of becoming zoo professionals thanks to the valuable practical experience gained through their placements.

Objectives of the placement

- To gain experience and understanding of the work of a zoo animal keeping department.

- To gain skills within the education and outreach department including delivering encounters and class room educational sessions.

- To deliver educational talks at the zoo to visitors and groups.

- To apply own personal skills and take ownership of a series of tasks and/or a research project.

- To reflect on training and experience throughout the placement.

Anticipated tasks/training provided

- Assisting with daily animal husbandry e.g. feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision, operant conditioning, enclosure modification etc.

- Observations of animals and recording of relevant information.

- Training in basic research methods.

- Visitor interaction e.g. answering visitor questions in a polite and sensitive manner.

- Assisting with student/volunteer supervision at the direction of the head keeper.

Previous animal-related work experience (not essential)

- Good communication skills.

- Adaptable to different working environments.

- Able to work in a team and independently.

- Physically fit for the demands of the post.

Shaldon Wildlife Trust is able to offer a number of work experience placements which will give you a unique understanding of working for a small modern zoo and conservation organisation.

There is the chance to simultaneously develop your skills across a variety of departments at Shaldon, including the animal keeping, education, conservation and administration departments.