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- Tasks: Assist with animal care, cleaning, and educational talks at a modern zoo and aquarium.
- Company: Sealife Adventure is a small, vibrant zoo and aquarium in Southend-on-Sea.
- Benefits: Gain valuable work experience, enhance your CV, and potential for research projects.
- Why this job: Perfect for animal lovers wanting hands-on experience and a chance to make an impact.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just a passion for animals and teamwork.
- Other info: Placement available up to 5 days a week, including weekends.
Sealife Adventure in Southend-on-Sea are offering university students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, providing a unique insight into working at a small, modern zoo and aquarium. A placement at Sealife Adventure will enhance your CV, demonstrating your commitment to a career in the zoo sector. Many of our past voluntary students have successfully secured jobs in animal care or pursued further education, contributing to our strong success rate.
Additionally, there are opportunities to complete research projects and dissertations during your placement. If you need to undertake a research project, please mention this when applying.
We are open every day, and placements will be up to 5 days a week, including weekends. Students will primarily assist with the husbandry needs of the animal collection, as directed by the Curator.
Examples of species and breeds held on site:
- Crab Eating Macaques
- Corals
- Cownose Rays
- Penguins
- Otters
Day to day tasks:
- Assisting with daily cleaning
- Preparation of feeds
- Assisting with routine husbandry tasks
Objectives of the placement:
- To gain experience and understanding of the work Zoo Keepers and Aquarists do.
- To deliver educational talks and animal experiences at the zoo to visitors and groups.
- To apply your 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.
Skills Required:
- Previous animal-related work experience (not essential)
- Adaptable to different working environments
- Able to work in a team and independently
- Physically fit for the demands of the job
If your enquiry is urgent and you need a response before the BIAZA office reopens, please call Jo Judge on 07593 580602.
Volunteer placement Student employer: BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
Contact Detail:
BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer placement Student
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to research Sea Life Adventure thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their mission, the species they care for, and any recent news or projects. This knowledge will help you stand out during any interviews or discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or past volunteers at Sea Life Adventure. They can provide valuable insights into the placement experience and may even offer tips on how to impress during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider preparing a few questions about the role and the organisation to ask during an interview. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you engage more effectively with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your adaptability and teamwork abilities. Think of specific examples from previous roles or studies that showcase your readiness for the demands of this placement.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer placement Student
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and objectives of the Volunteer Placement Student role at Sea Life Adventure. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don't have direct animal-related work experience, think about any transferable skills or experiences that demonstrate your adaptability, teamwork, and physical fitness. Make sure to include these in your CV and cover letter.
Mention Research Projects: If you plan to undertake a research project during your placement, be sure to mention this in your application. Explain how it aligns with your career goals and how it can benefit both you and Sea Life Adventure.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
✨Show Your Passion for Animals
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with animals during the interview. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's volunteering at a local shelter or caring for pets, to demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare.
✨Research Sealife Adventure
Familiarise yourself with Sealife Adventure and its mission. Knowing about the species they care for and their conservation efforts will show that you are genuinely interested in the placement and understand the environment you'll be working in.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with others, be prepared to discuss your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with peers in past roles or projects, emphasising your adaptability and communication skills.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the daily tasks, opportunities for research projects, or how the team supports each other. It shows your interest and eagerness to learn more about the role.
