Job opportunities

Voluntary Work-Based Learner - 10-week, 3- and 6-month

2026 10-week, 3-and 6- Month Block Work Experience Placements at Colchester Zoological Society

Colchester Zoological Society (CZS) is home to over 150 species of animals and support conservation around the globe. Our mission is to provide a first-class experience for all visitors and at the same time, further understanding and respect for animals through education and research.

At CZS we understand the importance of having the opportunity to gain real world work experience and aid career building. Our work experience placements are open to people who want to build on pervious animal experience and theory or want to complete a placement as part of their college or university course.

About the placements

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 a particular species such as primates or reptiles, with the addition of other species under their care.

Work experience placements are not needed to support the running of the animal sections; therefore, the expected duties are to aid the team and focus on learning and skill development.

Expected duties include, but are not limited to:

·         Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures

·         Providing enrichment

·         Preparing animal diets

·         Participation in animal training where appropriate

·         Delivering public encounters.

Placements will take place across 2026, and applicants can indicate when would be best for their placement to take place between January and December 2026.

Requirements

• 17 years old or older
• Enrolled on, or have completed an accredited animal/conservation-based course
• Minimum QCA recognised level 2 diploma
• Able to attend full-time, 5 days, on placement per week which may include weekends

Additional Information

All 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.

Placements are only granted following application and a successful selection assessment.