British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Zoo Operations and Research Intern
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Millets Wildside
Oxfordshire
Closing date for applications is: 11th Oct 2026
Contact: Adam Gregory (adam@milletswildside.co.uk)
Sector: Administration
Type: Volunteer
Contract type: Full-time / Part-time
Salary: Unpaid
Are you passionate about wildlife, conservation and the work that goes on behind the scenes to support a modern zoo?
Millets Wildside is seeking a highly motivated and organised Zoo Operations & Conservation Intern to join our team. We are a small unique collection with big aspirations and are going through an exciting phase with plenty of developments to be involved within.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in zoo management, conservation, research, animal welfare, environmental sustainability and zoological operations to gain valuable professional experience within a zoo environment.
Please note: this is an office-based position and does not involve direct animal contact, animal handling or animal husbandry... Though you are welcome to assist the Director of Zoo Operations with animal related activities as needed.
You will work closely with management members of the zoo operations team supporting a range of projects and gaining an understanding of how effective administration, data management and research contribute to animal welfare and conservation outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Zoo Operations & Administration
- Support the day-to-day administrative functions of the zoo operations team.
- Assist with maintaining accurate records, databases and operational documentation.
- Help coordinate meetings, projects, schedules and internal communications.
- Assist with preparing reports, presentations, briefing documents and other operational materials.
- Support the development and review of policies, procedures and operational processes.
- Assist with gathering and organising information relating to animal welfare, zoo standards and operational performance.
- Help monitor project progress and maintain action logs and deadlines.
- Work with different departments to support effective communication and information sharing.
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Conservation & Research
- Support ongoing conservation and research projects.
- Conduct literature searches and research on relevant zoological and conservation topics.
- Assist with data collection, data entry, organisation and analysis.
- Help maintain research databases and project records.
- Assist with preparing research summaries, reports and presentations.
- Support conservation project administration and coordination.
- Research current developments in conservation science, biodiversity and species management.
- Assist with monitoring project outcomes and preparing information for internal and external reporting.
Communications & Education
- Assist with preparing conservation and research content for internal and public-facing communications.
- Support the development of educational materials and presentations.
- Help communicate the role of zoos in conservation, research, education and animal welfare.
- Assist with preparing materials for meetings, events and stakeholder engagement.
We Are Looking For Someone Who Is
- Passionate about wildlife, conservation and zoological organisations.
- Studying towards, or recently graduated from, a degree in Zoology, Biology, Conservation, Ecology, Environmental Science, Animal Behaviour or a related subject.
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks.
- Comfortable working with spreadsheets, databases and written information.
- Interested in research and evidence-based decision-making.
- A strong written and verbal communicator.
- Detail-oriented with good administrative skills.
- Able to work independently while also contributing effectively to a team.
- Proactive, curious and keen to learn.
- Professional and confident communicating with colleagues and external stakeholders.
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Desirable Skills & Experience
The following would be advantageous:
- Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint or equivalent software.
- Experience with data collection, data management or basic statistical analysis.
- Academic or practical experience in conservation or zoological research.
- Experience conducting literature reviews or desk-based research.
- Understanding of zoo-based conservation and the role of modern zoological organisations.
- Experience preparing reports, presentations or research summaries.
- An interest in conservation policy, animal welfare standards or zoo accreditation.
What You’ll Gain
This internship will provide valuable experience in the professional and operational side of zoo management, including:
- Zoo administration and operational planning.
- Conservation project coordination.
- Research and evidence gathering.
- Data management and analysis.
- Report and presentation writing.
- Project management and organisational skills.
- Conservation communications.
- Understanding of zoo animal welfare and management from an operational perspective.
- Working within a zoological organisation.
You will gain an insight into the wide range of professional roles required to operate a modern zoo and support its wider conservation and research objectives.
The role is particularly suited to candidates who are interested in pursuing careers in zoo management, conservation, research, animal welfare, zoological administration, project management or environmental organisations.
Apply For This Job
To apply, please submit:
- Your current CV.
- A short covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role.
- Details of your availability and preferred internship duration.
Email your application to: adam.gregory@milletswildside.co.uk
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