Voluntary student work experience placement
programme 2018/9
Closing date 10th February 2018
Shaldon Wildlife
Trust is able to offer a number of work experience placements which will give
you a unique understanding of working for a conservation organisation.
There is the chance
to develop your skills across a variety of departments at Shaldon, including
the animal keeping, education, conservation and administration departments.
There is also the
opportunity to complete research projects and dissertations during your
placement. If you are required to complete a research project during your
placement please indicate this at the time of your application.
A placement at Shaldon
will provide valuable experience to add to your CV showing future employers
that you are committed to a career in the conservation sector.
Shaldon Wildlife Trust is a small zoo on the Devon coast. Set in an acre
of woodland, we are the smallest member of BIAZA and EAZA. Despite this we are
active members of the zoo community and support conservation projects all over
the word. Over the years we have gained a great deal of expertise in the
breeding of many species, particularly small primates, and are regarded highly
in this field.
We are currently
advertising for student work experience placements of 6-11months (With a 1
month probationary period) Shaldon Wildlife Trust is open every day and the
placements will be full time i.e. a five day week including some weekend duties.
The main role of the students will be to assist with the husbandry requirements
of the animal collection as directed by the Head Keeper in charge.
The
programme is aimed at students undertaking a further or higher education course
or requiring a sandwich year in industry placement within their degree.
All placements
are purely voluntary and as such it is with regret that Shaldon Wildlife Trust
cannot provide any financial support or expenses to those wishing to apply for
these opportunities and there will be no promise of future work within the
collection at the end of the placement. To ensure that students are provided
with a valuable experience; a training agreement will be completed and reviewed
regularly, and a training record will be provided upon completion of the
placement.
As this position is voluntary and
therefore unpaid we recognise that this takes a level of commitment from
individuals, therefore we aim to provide each student with a structured
learning programme to help them in their future careers. Most of our previous
students have gone on to achieve their goals of becoming zoo professionals
thanks to the valuable practical experience gained through their placements.
Objectives
of the placement
-
To gain experience and
understanding of the work of a zoo animal keeping department.
-
To gain skills within the
education and outreach department including delivering encounters and class
room educational sessions.
-
To deliver educational talks at
the zoo to visitors and groups.
-
To apply own personal skills and
take ownership of a series of tasks and/or a research project.
-
To reflect on training and experience
throughout the placement.
Anticipated
tasks/training provided
-
Assisting with daily animal
husbandry e.g. feeding, cleaning, enrichment provision, enclosure modification
etc.
-
Observations of animals and
recording of relevant information.
-
Training in basic research
methods.
-
Visitor interaction e.g.
answering visitor questions in a polite and sensitive manner.
-
Assisting with student/volunteer
supervision at the direction of the head keeper.
-
Training in animal-management
related computer software.
-
Training in all aspects of the
company’s code of practice.
-
Comprehensive portfolio building
Skills
Required
-
Enrolment on an animal science
related course.
-
Previous animal-related work
experience.
-
Good communication skills.
-
Adaptable to different working
environments.
-
Able to work in a team and
independently.
-
Physically fit for the demands of
the post.
Owing to the high number of anticipated enquiries, please be advised
that we will only respond to those who are chosen for interview.
To register your interest for the
above opportunity please send a CV and covering letter to Julie Matthews,
Education and Research Officer,
Shaldon Wildlife Trust, Ness Drive, Devon, TQ14 0HP
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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