At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage visitors on tours and assist with practical reserve tasks.
- Company: Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, a unique conservation site in East Anglia.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, learn from experts, and make a real impact.
- Why this job: Share your passion for wildlife while helping to protect incredible species.
- Qualifications: Love for wildlife, good communication skills, and a positive attitude.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and enjoy outdoor work in all weather.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve East Anglia. Closing date for applications is: 16th Feb 2026. Do you love wildlife, wild places and sharing that passion with others? We’re looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to join our team and help bring the reserve to life for visitors. This role combines the best of both worlds: engaging with the public on tours and getting stuck in with practical jobs that keep the reserve running smoothly. This is a chance to be part of a unique conservation site, gain hands-on experience, and support our mission to protect and celebrate the incredible species that call the reserve home.
Responsibilities
- Visitor Engagement & Tours: Join staff on guided tours and help deliver fun, informative wildlife experiences. Chat with visitors, answer questions, and help them connect with the animals and the conservation work we do. Support with visitor management to ensure everyone stays safe and respects the welfare of the animals.
- Reserve Jobs & Practical Support: Help with daily tasks that keep the site running, from equipment checks to prepping feed stations and supporting basic maintenance. Assist with seasonal habitat and enrichment tasks to support species on the reserve. Keep an eye out for anything unusual or any welfare concerns and report them to the team. Work closely with a friendly, supportive team. Follow safety and welfare protocols (we’ll train you!). Join in on training or development sessions when available.
Qualifications
- Loves wildlife and has a genuine interest in conservation.
- Enjoys talking to people and sharing knowledge.
- Is reliable, positive and up for getting involved.
- Doesn’t mind working outdoors in all kinds of weather.
- Can work well independently and as part of a small team.
- Bonus if you’ve got experience in animal care, education or hospitality – enthusiasm counts more than anything.
What You’ll Get Out of It
- Experience in wildlife interpretation and reserve operations.
- The chance to work closely with unique species and gain insight into real conservation work.
- Opportunities to learn from experienced staff and grow your skills.
- Being part of a team making a tangible difference to wildlife.
Apply for this job
To apply please email a CV and Cover Letter detailing any relevant experience as well as your availability to Charley Ross education@watatunga.co.uk by February 16th.
Volunteer Wildlife & Visitor Assistant 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 Wildlife & Visitor Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the reserve! Before your interview, spend some time researching Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. Familiarise yourself with their mission and the species they protect. This will help you connect with the team and show your genuine passion for wildlife.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since this role involves engaging with visitors, think of a few fun facts about the animals or conservation efforts that you can share. Being able to chat confidently will make you stand out as an enthusiastic candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your willingness to get stuck in! During interviews, highlight any hands-on experience you have, whether it’s in animal care, education, or even just volunteering outdoors. We love seeing candidates who are ready to roll up their sleeves and help out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference at the reserve.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Wildlife & Visitor Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wildlife: When writing your CV and cover letter, let your love for wildlife shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm for conservation and working with animals.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in visitor engagement, animal care, or teamwork, and connect it back to the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality, so don’t be afraid to let it come through while keeping it professional!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to double-check your application before sending it off, and don’t forget to include your availability!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
✨Show Your Passion for Wildlife
Make sure to express your genuine love for wildlife and conservation during the interview. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm, as this role is all about connecting with nature and sharing that passion with visitors.
✨Prepare for Visitor Engagement Scenarios
Think about how you would engage with visitors on tours. Prepare a few fun facts about the animals at the reserve or conservation efforts that excite you. This will show your proactive approach and readiness to interact with the public.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be ready to discuss examples of how you've collaborated in the past. Highlight your reliability and positive attitude, as these traits are essential for a supportive team environment.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about practical tasks you might encounter, like equipment checks or habitat maintenance. Brush up on basic animal care knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you'd handle various situations while ensuring the welfare of the animals.