Student Keeper
Colchester Zoo
STUDENT KEEPER - WORK BASED LEARNING PROGRAMMES
Colchester Zoo is pleased to offer a one year placement with learning opportunities that are dedicated to the care and husbandry of animals.
Please note - All of these placements are unpaid. ‘Student keeper’ applications should be submitted on the Application Form before 21st September 2018 for placements in the following calendar year (2019).
The ‘Student Keeper’ scheme is based on gaining practical experience in a role helping with all aspects of animal husbandry on a specific animal section. You will also assist with public engagement e.g. animal experiences and presentations. In addition, you will attend formal learning sessions in theoretical aspects of zoo management (at an equivalent standard to HEFCE Level 5). Learning sessions are usually planned at monthly intervals and in the form of small group learning and action learning sets. These sessions will be coordinated and delivered by the zoo education team supported by keepers and other zoo staff.
Topics to be covered may include:
● The Role of Zoo’s in the 21st century
● Collection planning
● Nutrition
● Animal Training
● Animal Enrichment
● Exhibit design
● Animal Health, Records and transfers
● Conservation Programmes and research
● Education
● Action learning sets – employability, CV, interview skills, reflective learning etc.
Throughout the year, you will have the opportunity to build a portfolio of evidence that may enhance employment prospects within this highly competitive sector and help you to shape the future of your career in animal management.
Uniform requirements -
Work based learners at Colchester Zoo are required to comply with the zoo’s strict uniform policy. To do so you will need to purchase a branded uniform, that is yours to keep, at a cost of approx. £40, comprising -
● 1 x Fleece jacket
● 2 x Sweatshirt
● 2 x polo shirts
In addition, you will be expected to wear black cargo trousers or shorts, and dark coloured appropriate waterproof footwear.
We look forward to receiving your completed application!
Apply for this job:
Placement criteria – You will have studied to a minimum of Level 3 Diploma.
Applications for any of the above schemes must meet the following criteria:
● You must be 18 years old or over
● You must have completed or are completing an animal related course
● You will confirm you are able to commit to five days per placement week.
● You will be able to demonstrate extensive animal husbandry experience, though not necessarily within a zoo environment.
Placement selection –
Our work based learning schemes are always heavily oversubscribed and placements will only be offered after a robust and rigorous selection assessment that will include group exercises, presentation / engagement skills and formal discussion.
The selection assessment process for ‘student keepers’ is designed to ensure that our scheme meets the requirements of applicants and vice versa.
You will attend an initial selection assessment day followed by a further practical assessment day spent on an animal section. Note: the section where you complete your assessment may not be the section where you are placed if your application is successful
During the selection day, you will have the opportunity to meet with the Workforce Development Manager who manages the work based learning schemes and where possible with other zoo staff from animal sections.
‘Student keeper’ applications should be submitted on the Application Form before 21st September 2018 for placements in the following calendar year (2019). Selection assessments will be scheduled during early October 2018 and you must be free to start placement in early Jan 2019.
You will also be required to complete a health questionnaire, Health and Safety statement and provide other personal data before commencing a placement.
Whilst applicants can express a preference for a placement on a specific animal section it may not always be possible to offer that choice. Applicants should therefore be flexible about which section they will be placed with.
![]() | | Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant |
