We are currently closed to receive applications in 2010.
Applications for work experience for 2011 are welcome if they are posted to the zoo between September 2010 and the end of November 2010. Applications received before or after these dates, will not be considered.
Please also bear in mind that due to the high volume of applications for work experience that the zoo receives and due to our limited resources, if we have not contacted you within 28 days unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion. We would like to write to everyone that applies to the Isle of Wight Zoo individually, but must use our limited HR resources carefully. We hope you understand our policy on this matter and we look forward to receiving your completed work experience application form.
We allocate 8 places a year to students who are aged 18 or over at the time that they take up their work experience with the zoo. Trainees shadow qualified and experienced keepers in some of our animal sections and learn skills in basic animal husbandry.
The trainee will undertake the following key tasks:
- Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures
- Food preparation for the animals
- Some feeding of the animals
Criteria for Selection
The work is physically demanding, so trainees will need to be fit and healthy. Competition for places are high, therefore we also apply the following selection criteria when short-listing applicants. Please read the criteria bulleted below very carefully as you must be able to answer 'yes' to each question before submitting your application for work experience to the zoo.
- Candidates must be aged 18 years old (minimum age) at the time that they undertake their work experience here at the zoo.
- Candidates must be available for a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 3 weeks en-block during a calendar month. Note: we take work experience students from March through to the end of October.
- Work Experience placements are offered only to those engaged in biological or animal-related courses, or enrolled on such a course.Individuals should be seriously considering a career in the field of Zoology, zoo keeping or animal husbandry.
- Financial assistance is also not available from the zoo to work experience students. All travel, subsistence and accommodation expenses must be born by the student.
- Candidates will be required to wear their own suitable clothing whilst undertaking work experience at the zoo.
If you answered 'yes' to the above criteria, please submit an application for work experience to the zoo. But, remember we will only accept your application between September 2010 and the end of November 2010 for places in 2011.
You can do this by downloading our
Work Experience Application Form
You can also download our
Liability Insurance if your place of study requires a copy.