Living Collection Assistant- Animal Presenter/Trainer

WWT Slimbridge (Centre), South West. Closing date for applications: 18 February 2026. Contact: Recruitment (recruitment@wwt.org.uk). Sector: Animal Care; Type: Paid; Contract: Full-time; Salary: £24,394.50 per annum.

As an Animal Presenter at WWT you’ll play a key role in bringing our wetlands to life for our visitors. You’ll assist in the continued development and delivery of engaging bird presentations, demonstrations and keeper talks while supporting the highest standards of animal welfare through daily husbandry, training, behavioural monitoring and biosecurity. This is an exciting hands-on role where no two days are the same — one moment you could be preparing birds for a demonstration or supporting behind-the-scenes experiences, and the next, inspiring visitors with powerful stories about wetlands and the species that depend on them. You’ll work closely with our presentations, veterinary and wider animal management teams, contribute to professional development and support sustainability-focused ways of working. In return, you’ll gain valuable experience, develop your skills with a diverse living collection and play a meaningful part in WWT’s mission to restore wetlands and unlock their power by helping people connect with nature in unforgettable ways. This is a full time position working 37.5 hours per week, 5 days in 7 to include weekends and bank holidays. Part time hours, of at least 25 hours per week, will be considered for the right candidate.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A qualification in a zoology-related subject (FdSc/BSc, preferably animal behaviour–based) and/or relevant practical animal experience, with a full current driving license.
• Experience and confidence in public speaking, presentations or visitor engagement, with a working understanding of modern, welfare-focused animal training techniques.
• A strong commitment to animal health and welfare, including maintaining exhibits, carrying out daily welfare checks and keeping accurate records in line with zoo licensing requirements.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team, communicating clearly with colleagues, managers and the wider WWT teams.
• Confidence to allocate and supervise basic tasks for volunteers, supporting safe and effective day-to-day operations.
• A creative, flexible and organised approach, with the ability to originate ideas and deliver engaging presentations to audiences of all ages.
• Excellent people skills, with the ability to engage positively with visitors, schools, groups and professionals, and support wider centre promotion.
• Enthusiasm, energy and a genuine passion for birds, conservation and sharing WWT’s mission to restore wetlands and inspire others.

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case. Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar. Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love working at WWT:

• Wake up every day knowing your work is helping to restore wetlands, and our world.
• Be surrounded and inspired by our team of passionate, dedicated people.
• 33 days annual leave (which goes up to 38 days after 5 years of service) – this includes bank holidays and you have flexibility to take those days whenever you want.
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family.
• Free car parking and secure bike storage areas.
• Colleague discount on shopping and memberships.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Life Assurance of three times your salary, for peace of mind for your loved ones.
• Independent personal, workplace and financial advice from our Employee Assistance Programme.

WWT is an equal opportunities employer and all applications will be considered solely on merit.

For more information and to apply please follow the link: Apply Here.