Bird Husbandry - 100-Hour Placements

About The Role

The Aviculture department is pleased to offer the opportunity for students to apply to complete their 100 hour work experience requirements within our specialist team.

In this role you will be assisting the Living Collections - Aviculture team in all aspects of caring for the birds in our living collection which includes rare and endangered species of wildfowl from around the world.

We have 5 placements available throughout June, July, August and September. This opportunity is designed for you to complete your 100 hours within 6 weeks by volunteering for 2 or 3 days per week.

Someone with a background in animal care will find this a varied and interesting role within a supportive and experienced team. The role is also an ideal placement for someone looking to gain practical experience in animal care / biology / ecology or conservation science.

Candidates will be identified, chosen and allocated following an informal interview.

You must be Over 18 to apply for this role.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email [email protected]

About You

Candidates need to have a genuine appreciation for wildfowl and a knowledge of WWT and what we stand for.

Communication is the key to good teamwork, and bird husbandry volunteers will need to demonstrate exceptional communication skills in order to join our team. In addition to the hours, placements can also look forward to:

• Meeting people and social interactions
• Gaining new skills for your CV
• Being active (physically and mentally)
• Showing their passion for conservation or the natural world
• Contributing to something important.

About Us

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 volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Who will be responsible for your role? Deputy Aviculture Manager and Living Collection Supervisors

Where will you be based? WWT Slimbridge Centre

How much time will it take? We have 5 placements available for students who need to fulfil their 100 hours (or equivalent) for their college or university course.

• Days start at 8.00am and finish at 4.30pm.
• 2 or 3 days a week attendance is required* so you can complete your 100 hours within 6 weeks.
• These roles can become flexible when sufficient training has been completed.

*some exceptions ie. previous experience.

What will you be doing?

• Shadowing bird feeding according to best practice guidelines.
• Assisting with bird catches and movements.
• Maintenance of pens and breeding facilities.
• Assisting with the cleaning of Duckery ponds, coops and housing facilities.
• Vegetation work, mowing and clearance.
• An induction in bio-security and best practice care.
• Experience communicating with the visiting public.
• The potential for research experience and censoring techniques.
• The potential for experience in bird habitat and exhibit design.

Who are we looking for?

To be effective in this role you will need:

• To be a team player with the ability to work under your own initiative.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• A can-do attitude.
• Experience in animal/bird keeping and practical habitat management.
• An understanding of bird welfare.
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate.
• Good communication skills.
• Tractor, lawn mower and strimmer qualifications desirable.
• Full UK driving license desirable.
• You must be over 18 years old.

How will you benefit?

• This is an excellent opportunity to volunteer within an internationally important wetland site in a really hands-on role.
• Suitable uniform is provided to all regular volunteers.
• Discount is available in the cafe and shop on the days of volunteering.
• Free entry to all WWT wetland centres on presentation of your WWT name badge.
• Appropriate training will be provided.
• A review after the first week to ensure the role is right for you.
• A suitable reference to help you apply for jobs.

General notes:

To make an effective contribution, we are asking you to be available for at least six weeks. Longer placements may be available if you would like to stay with us for a longer time period. This position may require work during evenings, weekends and public holidays to ensure objectives are met. The exact hours you are able to contribute will be discussed prior to placement.

This position is entirely voluntary and is therefore unpaid. Any offer of a volunteer placement is not intended to create a legally binding contract between us and any agreement may be cancelled at any time at the discretion of either party. Neither of us intends any employment relationship to be created either now or at any time in the future.

Please complete the application form on our website by 16th May 2025. After this date successful applicants will be asked to come to the centre for an informal interview to find out more about the role and discuss availability after which suitable candidates will be offered placements.

We look forward to hearing from you!