Job opportunities

Industry placements - Research, Education or Animal teams

About Dartmoor Zoo

Hidden on the borders of the Dartmoor National Park, Dartmoor Zoo boasts a wonderful 33 acres of woodland, celebrating a wide range of exotic and native animals, including the biggest variety of Big Cats in the Southwest of England. Dartmoor Zoological Society is a charity which aims to promote the conservation, care and breeding of wildlife and endangered species. We encourage and develop the public interest and awareness of the importance of ensuring the survival of species and diversity of life.

We are currently accepting applications for placements in the 2026-2027 academic year. We have opportunities for Research placements, Education and Public Engagement placements, and Animal Keeper Assistant placements. Ideally students will be undertaking an animal, zoo-related, environmental science, psychology or other relevant degree programme.

Research placement: 

The main responsibilities for this role include:

• Assisting the research department and representing the zoo in a positive, forwardthinking manner that will enable the department to be highly productive.
• To conduct, analyse and write up at least one research project whilst at the zoo with the guidance of the Research and Welfare Officer.
• To be trained to collect data for any ongoing research projects currently being carried out by the research department.
• To present your research to staff at Dartmoor Zoo.
• You may have the opportunity to represent Dartmoor Zoo at relevant zoo conferences and present your research findings

Education and Public Engagement placement 

This will include, but not be limited to, the following tasks:
• Learning and presenting public talks • Assisting in the management of the volunteer team.
• After sufficient training, running the volunteer team.
• Help to produce education resources using a range of media.
• Opportunities to assist the department in all areas of zoo education including taught school sessions and outreach, use of education animals and assist with the running of the zoo’s conservation academy which includes our popular programmes Rangers and Rangers Academy.
• Leading activities around the zoo.
• Helping to design public programmes.

Animal Keeper placement

Duties:
• Preparing and distributing food and water to the animals, following prescribed diets
• Washing of dishes, cleaning of kitchens, keeper yard, equipment and enrichment items
• Sorting food, invertebrate, hay and straw deliveries
• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness in all animal enclosures, public viewing and off-view areas
• Monitoring the animals carefully for any behavioral, reproductive or medical problems
• Providing enrichment specific to the species requirements to fulfil their natural behaviours
• Basic DIY, small fixes and repairs
• Assisting with the capture and restraint of animals when needed, whilst minimising the stress on the animal
• Adhering to all prescribed safety and emergency procedures to ensure the safety of animals, staff and the visiting public