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- Tasks: Shadow passionate Elephant Keepers and learn all aspects of animal husbandry.
- Company: Howletts Wild Animal Park, a leader in elephant conservation.
- Benefits: Gain invaluable experience, training opportunities, and discounts at park food outlets.
- Why this job: Be part of a historic elephant conservation project and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Ideal for animal-related course students; previous experience is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Commitment of 3-5 days a week for 6 months; must be 18 or over.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
At Howletts Wild Animal Park, situated near Canterbury in Kent, we have an internship placement available on the Elephant Section. We are looking for a passionate, hardworking individual to work alongside our small team of enthusiastic and likeminded Elephant Keepers. Howletts works in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation; a charity committed to the conservation of rare and endangered animals through breeding and reintroduction programmes. Howletts is home to the largest herd of African Elephants in the UK. We are currently preparing our herd to return to Africa with the intention of releasing them in a protected area in Kenya. This is a historic first in Elephant Conservation.
Responsibilities
This placement is an excellent opportunity for you to shadow our keepers and to learn all aspects of animal husbandry. They will provide comprehensive practical training and significant insight into a successful and responsible zoological collection, with the goal of promoting your future employability in a career in animal husbandry.
Requirements / Qualifications
This placement is ideal for individuals already studying or have recently finished an animal related course and are looking to gain experience in the zoo industry. Previous experience with animal husbandry is beneficial, but not essential to the role. Candidates must be 18 or over, have a good level of fitness and be happy with heavy lifting, as this position is physically demanding. Applicants must be happy with working outdoors in all weather conditions and must be happy working at heights. The individual may be given the opportunity to operate vehicles, such as dumper trucks, therefore a clean manual driving license would be an advantage.
If you are the successful candidate, our aim is to get you job ready. We offer several training opportunities on section, and we can also help with developing your CVs and Cover Letters, as well as interview practice.
We are looking for a commitment of 3 to 5 days a week, for 6 months for this voluntary internship. Candidates must be a minimum of 18 years old. We are looking for an individual to start as soon as possible.
As we are a Registered Charity, funded entirely by visitor fees and donations, we regret we are unable to offer any wages or salary for the placement. We will provide uniform and discount at the park's food outlets for the days that you attend work. No other financial benefits are offered. Candidates will need to have the ability to financially support themselves for the entire length of the internship. Please be aware that unfortunately we are unable to offer accommodation.
To apply, email your CV and covering letter, to Tyler Harvey: tylerh@howletts.com
Voluntary Animal Keeper Internship - Elephants in Hythe employer: Aspinall Foundation
Contact Detail:
Aspinall Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Voluntary Animal Keeper Internship - Elephants in Hythe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Howletts Wild Animal Park and the Elephant Section. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with the keepers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for animal care! During your interview, share any relevant experiences or projects you've been involved in. Whether it's volunteering at a local shelter or studying animal husbandry, let them see your enthusiasm for working with elephants.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for hands-on questions! Since this role is physically demanding, be prepared to discuss how you handle tough tasks. Think about examples where you've shown resilience and teamwork, especially in outdoor or challenging environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly through our platform. It’s a great way to ensure your CV gets seen by the right people and shows your commitment to joining the team at Howletts.
We think you need these skills to ace Voluntary Animal Keeper Internship - Elephants in Hythe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your CV and cover letter, let your enthusiasm for animal care shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in elephants and conservation, so share any relevant experiences or studies that fuel your passion.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific internship. Highlight any skills or experiences that relate directly to animal husbandry and working outdoors, as these are key aspects of the role we’re offering.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the internship. Use bullet points if it helps to organise your thoughts!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to engage with our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspinall Foundation
✨Know Your Elephants
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge about elephants, especially the ones at Howletts. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, habitats, and conservation efforts. Showing genuine interest in the animals will impress the keepers and demonstrate your passion for animal husbandry.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you don’t have direct experience with elephants, think about any related skills or experiences you can bring to the table. Whether it’s volunteering at an animal shelter or studying animal behaviour, make sure to mention how these experiences have prepared you for this internship.
✨Be Ready for Physical Questions
Since this role is physically demanding, be prepared to discuss your fitness level and any relevant physical experiences. You might be asked about your ability to handle heavy lifting or work outdoors in various weather conditions, so be honest and confident about your capabilities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training opportunities available, the daily responsibilities of an elephant keeper, or how the team prepares the elephants for their return to Africa. This shows your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn more about the role.