At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn animal care routines, feed animals, and maintain enclosures while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: The Living Rainforest, a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, training opportunities, and reasonable travel expense assistance.
- Other info: Flexible summer placement from June to September 2026 with potential for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal care while working in a vibrant tropical environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for animals and willingness to learn; transport required due to location.
The Living Rainforest is inviting applications to work as a summer volunteer with our Animal Department to gain experience within a zoological environment. We are pleased to offer a placement from June 2026 until September 2026, with some flexibility with dates. The Trust for Sustainable Living is a registered charity based near Newbury, Berkshire. At our visitor centre, The Living Rainforest, the animal collection is contained within three tropical glasshouses and consists of more than 60 species, including callitrichids, toucans, turacos, snakes, chelonians, stingrays, dendrobatids, and invertebrates.
The Role
The primary role of the intern will be to learn daily husbandry and routines of our animal department, including feeding animals, maintaining enclosures, daily record keeping, diet preparation, and animal health checks. You will learn how to train and supervise existing volunteers, and participate in training new volunteers and work‑experience students. You will receive training and participate in keeper experiences. You will have the opportunity to gain knowledge of veterinary treatment, enclosure design, and record keeping.
Terms
This is a voluntary summer volunteer placement for a registered charity, beginning in June 2026. This placement is unpaid; however, we can assist with reasonable travel expenses. Hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm, five days a week on a rota basis, possibly including weekends and bank holidays. It is necessary to have your own transport to get to and from The Living Rainforest each day, as public transport is infrequent in this area.
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
Animal Keeper Summer Volunteer employer: British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The Living Rainforest is an exceptional employer for those passionate about wildlife and conservation, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a vibrant zoological environment. With a commitment to equal opportunities and a supportive work culture, volunteers will not only develop essential skills in animal husbandry and training but also contribute to the important mission of a registered charity dedicated to sustainable living. Located near Newbury, Berkshire, this role provides a chance to engage with diverse species while fostering personal growth and making meaningful contributions to wildlife care.
Contact Detail:
British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Keeper Summer Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research The Living Rainforest and its mission. Understanding their values and goals will help you tailor your approach and show genuine interest during any conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or past volunteers on social media or platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for the application process to unfold. Reach out directly to the Animal Department, express your enthusiasm, and ask about any upcoming opportunities or how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at The Living Rainforest.
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Keeper Summer Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animals:When writing your application, let us know why you love animals and what draws you to this role. Share any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for working in a zoological environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid long-winded sentences and focus on what makes you the ideal candidate for the Animal Keeper position.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the role. Highlight your willingness to learn and any previous experience with animal care or teamwork that aligns with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
✨Know Your Animals
Before the interview, brush up on the species mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with their habitats, diets, and behaviours. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out as someone who is passionate about animal care.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a voluntary position, it's crucial to express your dedication to the role. Be prepared to discuss why you want to volunteer at The Living Rainforest specifically and how you can contribute positively to the team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the animal department's routines or the training process for new volunteers. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and engage with the role, making a great impression on the interviewers.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
As you'll be supervising and training other volunteers, emphasise your teamwork and leadership skills. Share examples from past experiences where you've successfully worked in a team or taken on a leadership role, even if it was informal.
