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- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience caring for large carnivores and learn from expert keepers.
- Company: Port Lympne Reserve, a leading wildlife conservation charity.
- Benefits: Receive a T-shirt, discounts at food outlets, and future employability opportunities.
- Why this job: Immerse yourself in wildlife conservation and work with amazing animals like lions and tigers.
- Qualifications: Physical fitness, animal experience or relevant studies required.
- Other info: Flexible internship duration with potential for career growth in animal husbandry.
Port Lympne Reserve, located near Hythe in Kent, is offering an internship placement in the Large Carnivore Section. Working with a dedicated team of Carnivore Keepers and in partnership with The Aspinall Foundation, the role offers hands‑on experience with a variety of large carnivores.
Internship Details:
- 3‑5 days per week, 4‑12 months (flexible start date, with an ideal commitment of 3‑12 months).
Responsibilities:
- Shadow keepers and learn all aspects of animal husbandry.
- Receive comprehensive practical training and insight into a successful and responsible zoological collection.
- Assist with animal maintenance, including basic butchery, maintenance of exhibits and gardening.
- Work in all weather conditions and lift up to 20 kg.
Key Species:
- Lions
- Brown Bears
- Andean bears
- Amur tigers
- Cheetahs
- Painted dogs
- European wolves
- Amur leopards
- Sri Lankan leopards
Requirements:
- A good level of physical fitness and the ability to lift 20 kg.
- A valid driving licence or reliable transportation to a remote location.
- Either previous animal experience, an animal qualification, or currently studying towards one.
Benefits:
- No wage or salary is offered as we operate as a registered charity funded by visitor fees and donations.
- The intern will receive a T‑shirt and jumper, a discount at the park’s food outlets, and the opportunity for future employability in animal husbandry.
- Interns must be able to support themselves financially for the duration of the internship; accommodation is not provided.
Closing Date:
The position remains open until filled. Applicants will be shortlisted for trial days before final selection. Unsuccessful applicants will not receive individual reply; if no response within 3 weeks, you may consider yourself unsuccessful.
How to Apply:
Send your CV and cover letter to Sarah Wills at sarahw@portlympne.com. In the subject line, indicate the internship you are applying for and include preferences for days, start date, and duration.
Voluntary Large Carnivore Keeper Internship in Hythe employer: Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
Contact Detail:
Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Voluntary Large Carnivore Keeper Internship in Hythe
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team at Port Lympne! Reach out on social media or through networking events. Building a rapport with current staff can give you insider info and make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for large carnivores! When you get the chance to chat with keepers, share your experiences and knowledge about the species they care for. This will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible with your availability. Since the internship requires a commitment of 3-12 months, showing that you're open to different start dates and schedules can make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Voluntary Large Carnivore Keeper Internship in Hythe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Standout CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the internship. Highlight any relevant experience with animals, your qualifications, and skills that show you're ready for the hands-on work with large carnivores.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for animal husbandry and why you want to intern with us at Port Lympne. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm come through!
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Include all the details in the subject line as requested, like your preferred days and start date. It shows us you can follow directions!
Apply Through Our Website: While you can send your application via email, we encourage you to check out our website for more info about the internship. It’s a great way to get a feel for what we’re all about before applying!
How to prepare for a job interview at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Park
✨Know Your Carnivores
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of the large carnivores you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, habitats, and conservation status. This shows your passion for the role and helps you stand out as a candidate who genuinely cares about animal welfare.
✨Show Your Physical Readiness
Since the role requires a good level of physical fitness, be prepared to discuss your experience with lifting weights or any physical activities you've done. You might even want to mention specific examples where you've demonstrated your strength and stamina, as this will reassure them that you're up for the job.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have any previous animal care experience or qualifications, make sure to bring them up during the interview. Even if it's volunteer work or studies, it’s important to show how your background has prepared you for this internship. Be specific about what you learned and how it relates to the responsibilities of the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training process, the team dynamics, or future opportunities within the organisation. It shows that you're engaged and serious about the internship, plus it gives you a chance to assess if the role is right for you.