Job opportunities

Keeper Volunteer Ecotherms Section

Whipsnade Zoo holds the UK’s largest freshwater breeding collection of fish. The Aquarium holds 72 species of freshwater fish, many of which are endangered and five of which are extinct in the wild.

We are looking for people to volunteer one day a week on the Ectotherms section under the supervision of the keeper team to help care for a range of fish, reptile and invertebrate species.

Day to day husbandry tasks will include:

• Taking temperatures of exhibits
• Help managing water quality readings and sample collection
• Water changes and maintenance of fish tanks
• Feeding reptiles and invertebrates
• Helping to breed endangered and extinct in the wild fish species

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to gain experience in the zoo industry while also contributing to real ex situ conservation efforts and stop some of our species from becoming extinct. The role can be what you make of it, so a high level of enthusiasm and willingness to learn will help successful candidates to make the most of this opportunity.

This role runs throughout the year and we are looking for a regular commitment of one day per week.  We can be flexible around which day this is on discussion with your volunteer supervisor.

The hours will be are likely to be 8am to 5pm or 8am to 4pm in the winter and volunteer positions will last a fixed period of 6 months. This can be reviewed in certain circumstances.

Anticipated skills and experience include :

• A particular interest in aquatics and other ectothermic species
• A willingness to learn and follow instructions to the letter.
• Good communication skills and the initiative to check if unsure of what needs to be done or that instructions are properly understood
• A good degree of fitness as many of the tasks are physical in nature
• Comfortable in a hot and humid environment although temperatures in the lab area are very comfortable
• Ability to work calmly and sensitively in animal environments
• Appreciation that many procedures are in place to maintain health and safety for all staff and volunteers and must be adhered to exactly
• Reliability to attend when expected and to keep the team informed if you are not able to come in.
• Commitment and regular attendance
•  Ability to demonstrate ZSL’s values – inspiring, innovative, impactful, collaborative, ethical
• NB Volunteers must be aged over 18 years.