At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with animal behaviour and welfare programmes, conduct research, and present findings.
- Company: Chester Zoo, a leading zoological collection in Europe.
- Benefits: Monthly stipends, full training, uniform, and lunch vouchers.
- Other info: Inclusive environment encouraging applications from all backgrounds; full-time placement starting September 2026.
- Why this job: Gain invaluable experience in animal welfare and make a real impact on animal care.
- Qualifications: Passion for animal behaviour, organisational skills, and report writing abilities.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Full-time industrial placement (up to 12 months) commencing September 2026. Are you excited by the prospect of gaining invaluable work experience with one of Europe's leading Zoological collections? Chester Zoo aims to be a centre of excellence for animal and plant care based on sound scientific principles. The Behaviour & Welfare Placement provides experience within a comprehensive applied animal science programme, with the ultimate aim of optimising animal wellbeing.
What You'll Be Doing… Working in a team environment with the Lead Conservation Scientist and Conservation Scientists specialising in Behaviour & Welfare, the Behaviour and Welfare Voluntary Work Placement will:
- Assist with the day-to-day activities of the applied animal behaviour and welfare programme for over 500 animal species
- Learn how to assess animal welfare using the Five Domains model and design assessments for a range of taxa
- Undertake observations of animal behaviour across a variety of species using a range of methods
- Learn how to analyse and interpret animal behaviour data and write summary reports for stakeholders to aid husbandry decision making
- Conduct zoo animal behaviour research projects and have the opportunity to present the findings to Chester Zoo staff, and potentially at a national conference
The year in industry placement is for a period of up to 12 months commencing in September 2026. Full Training with the Conservation & Science Teams. Uniform provided, along with lunch vouchers for the days you attend. Monthly stipends of up to £120 per month may be payable based on appropriate expenses. Full Time Hours (40 hours per week), alternatives can be discussed if you are successfully shortlisted.
Our Requirements
- A passion for animal behaviour and welfare, demonstrated through previous work experience and related study (e.g. zoology, animal behaviour, animal welfare)
- Be highly organised and take pride in what you do
- The ability to write reports and deliver oral presentations in a clear, concise and engaging manner
- A desire to learn how science can be used to help support best practice in animal husbandry and through welfare assessment
- Experience of using Microsoft Office software such as Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
This opportunity is only available to those studying at a UK university on a degree programme with an industrial year. Industrial placements are full-time voluntary positions for a maximum of a year, commencing September 2026. Although no direct animal contact takes place in this role, you will attend monthly workshops to gain wider knowledge of modern zoo management. We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Interested in applying? To apply for this opportunity, click the 'apply for job' button on this page where you'll need to submit a CV and covering letter detailing your qualifications, interest in the position and your university and degree programme. As part of your application, we would also like you to create a short, 2-minute video answering 2 questions. Further details on this will be included within the application form.
Do you want to find out more about these placements? Speak to our experts? Register for our Zoom webinar on 13/1/26 at 5pm. Register in advance for this meeting: registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Animal Behaviour in Chester employer: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in animal behaviour and welfare within one of Europe's leading zoological collections. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and learning, providing full training and support from experienced conservation scientists, as well as monthly stipends and lunch vouchers. With a commitment to employee growth and the chance to contribute to meaningful research, Chester Zoo is the ideal place for those passionate about animal welfare to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Animal Behaviour in Chester
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved with online forums and local biology study groups. Sites like ResearchGate or even Facebook groups can connect us with professionals and other students who know about placement opportunities. The more we engage, the more visible we become!
✨Attend Biology Events
Look out for biology fairs, conferences, or workshops happening at universities or in your area. These events are goldmines for networking, allowing us to meet potential employers and learn about exciting placement positions directly from the source.
✨Leverage University Career Services
Make sure to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive listings for placements and can set us up with mock interviews and CV workshops. They really want us to succeed!
✨Direct Applications to Labs and Companies
Don’t hesitate to directly reach out to research labs or companies we're interested in, even if they don’t have placements advertised. A personal touch can go a long way, and they might just create a position for a passionate intern like us!
We think you need these skills to ace Animal Behaviour in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Lab Experience:When applying for a biology placement like the one at Chester Zoo, make sure to showcase any lab techniques or research projects you’ve been a part of. Whether it's PCR, gel electrophoresis, or even fieldwork, let us know what you’ve done and the skills you’ve gained!
Connect Your Passion to the Role:In your cover letter, it's all about showing your enthusiasm for biology and how this placement can help you grow. Talk about specific areas of interest in biology and relate them to what Chester Zoo does. This will help us see your potential and how keen you are to learn!
Academic Achievements Matter:While we definitely value your hands-on experience, don’t forget to mention your academic achievements too. If you've got high grades in biology or related subjects, or any relevant certificates, be sure to highlight those. They can really strengthen your application!
Tailor Your CV for Biology:Your CV should reflect the specifics of the biology field. Focus on including any relevant coursework, skills like data analysis, and possibly a section detailing your research interests. Be sure to apply through our website, as tailored applications make us take notice!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Master the Basics of Biology
Brush up on your foundational biology concepts! Since you're going for a placement, interviewers at Chester Zoo will likely ask about topics like genetics, cell biology, and ecology. Be prepared to discuss your specific coursework and any lab techniques you've used, demonstrating your knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Placement interviews in biology often include practical assessments or case studies. If you have experience with lab techniques—like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy—be ready to talk through those processes and how they relate to real-world applications. Having examples of your work or projects can give you a strong edge!
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
Collaboration is key in biology, especially in lab settings. Expect questions about working in teams, particularly on experiments or research. Think back to any group projects you've completed and be prepared to explain your role, challenges faced, and how you contributed to achieving the project goals.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As this is a placement, companies like Chester Zoo want to see your motivation to grow. Show enthusiasm for gaining hands-on experience and learning from the team. Be specific about what you hope to learn during your time at Chester Zoo and how it aligns with your career aspirations in biology.
