Job opportunities

12-Month Animal Husbandry Placement

Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species and through visitor funds we promote care for the environment through education and leading by example. We also work at increasing public understanding of welfare and conservation, whilst activity working to provide the best possible care for our animals. We are continually developing our role as a centre for research and support in situ and ex situ conservation programmes alongside being active members of BIAZA and EAZA.

At CZS we understand the importance of having the opportunity to gain real world work experience and aid career building. Our 12-month work experience placements are open to people who want to build on pervious animal experience and theory, or you want to do a sandwich year as part of your degree.

About the placements

Animal Husbandry 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 one particular group of animals such as primates or reptiles, with the addition of other species under their care.

Expected duties include, but are not limited to:

·         Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures

·         Providing enrichment

·         Preparing animal diets

·         Participation in animal training

·         Delivering public talks.

Animal Husbandry Focus Requirements:
• 18 years old or older
• Enrolled on, or have completed an accredited animal/conservation-based course
• Minimum QCA recognised Level 2
• Some limited animal experience (farm, stable, rescue centre etc)
• Able to attend full-time, 5 days, on placement per week which may include weekends

The 12-month placement also has a formal learning programme to allow you to expand your knowledge and gain an insight to aid in building practical wisdom, as well as developing professional skills.

Topics introduced include Nutrition, Welfare, Ethics, Enclosure Design, Business and many more.

Additional Information

All of 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.