British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
2027 10-week, 3-month, & 6-month Work Placements
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Colchester Zoological Society
East of England
Closing date for applications is: 1st Nov 2026
Contact: Lee McAlpin (lee@colchesterzoo.org)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Work Experience
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: N/A (voluntary work experience placement)
Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species of animals and supports conservation around the globe. Our mission is to provide a first-class experience for all visitors and at the same time, further understanding and respect for animals through education and research.
At CZS we understand the importance of having the opportunity to gain real world work experience and aid career building. Our work experience placements are open to people who want to build on previous animal experience and theory or want to complete a placement as part of their college or university course.
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 a particular species such as primates or reptiles, with the addition of other species under their care.
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Work experience placements are not needed to support the running of the animal sections; therefore, the expected duties are to aid the team and focus on learning and skill development.
Expected Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To
- Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures
- Providing enrichment
- Preparing animal diets
- Participation in animal training where appropriate
- Opportunities for delivering public encounters.
Placements can start anytime in either January, April, July, or October 2027. The placement will run consecutively from the month chosen at time of application. You can indicate on the application form which month you would want your placement to start.
Requirements
- 17 years old or older
- Enrolled on, or have completed an accredited animal/conservation-based course
- Minimum QCA recognised level 2 qualification
- Able to attend full-time, 5 days, on placement per week which may include weekends
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Additional Information
All 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 our placements are unpaid voluntary roles, and no accommodation is provided.
Apply For This Job
To apply: please complete the application form via the link below and submit the form along with a current CV
https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/about-us/careers/work-experience/
If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Placements are only granted following application and a successful selection assessment.
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