Job opportunities

Placement Volunteer

Northumberland Zoo is a family-run not-for-profit animal collection in the heart of Northumberland. The up-and-coming park currently has 17 acres for visitors to explore with species including tapir, raccoons, capybara, otters, rhea, snow leopards, lynx, donkeys, owls, parrots, leaf cutter ants and tortoises. We are on the only UK mainland collection to hold Livingstone’s fruit bats.  

We have come a long way in a short time, having gained our Zoo Licence in 2015; and are fully accredited members of BIAZA. We continue to grow, with new projects and developments constantly underway. 

We are offering an amazing opportunity to those looking to gain practical experience and skills to add to an animal management qualification. The successful candidates will be in the process of completing a ‘sandwich’ degree or have recently completed an animal care or science qualification at level 3 or above. 

Volunteering under the supervision of the Head and Deputy Head Keepers, you will assist the keepers with all of their duties to gain experience with a wide range of species, in a friendly and supportive environment. This role is perfect for those looking to pursue a career working with wild animals.  

Overview 

Tasks you will be involved with: 

• Preparing food and feeding animals, according to their set diets 

• Ensuring high standards of cleanliness in animal houses, enclosures and ‘behind the scenes’ areas 

• Observing the animals for behavioural, reproductive and medical reasons 

• Providing species-specific enrichment to all animals  

• Visitor engagement in our lemur walk-through enclosures  

• Basic maintenance and grounds keeping, tasks such as painting and planting  

• Adhering to all health and safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure the safety of animals, staff and guests.  

Successful placement volunteers will: 

• either be in the process of completing a ‘sandwich’ degree, or have recently completed an animal care or science qualification at level 3 or above 

• be enthusiastic and hard working 

• be able to work as part of a team, as well as use their own initiative 

• have good communication skills 

• be able to work in extreme weather conditions 

• be physically fit 

• be comfortable interacting with guests 

• be a good listener and keen to learn 

• have a driving license and their own vehicle due to the location of the zoo (or otherwise be able to get to the zoo without the use of public transport) 

• be over the age of 18 

• volunteer for a minimum of 3 days a week for 12 weeks. Full time placements of up to 1 year are available, starting throughout the year. 

Overseen by the Head and Deputy Head Keeper, the placement volunteers will be provided with: 

• Hands-on, practical animal husbandry experience with a range of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates 

• Training on all aspects of animal husbandry including: nutrition, enrichment, animal handling and restraint, health care, record keeping.  

• Support in completing a research project, should that be required as part of your course 

• Opportunities to gain experience in other areas if desired, such as hosting visitor talks 

• Food and drink vouchers for use in the café while volunteering 

• Complimentary admission tickets 

• Appropriate uniform as required 

• A full reference 

• Guidance and support if you seek to find employment elsewhere at the end of your placement