Animal Care - Animal Husbandry Assistant

About The Role

At Washington you will be involved first hand are in assisting the collection team in  maintaining and developing exhibits within the site at Washington to enhance the visitor experience.

This involves helping the Collection team to care for our large collection of rare and endangered species of waterfowl from around the world as well as wetland mammals.

Conducting public talks with our otters and Flamingos is also an important part of the role. Helping the team to inspire our visitors by the work we do and also showing them how they can get involved.

Why volunteer with us? We have one of the largest waterfowl collections in the North East, with over 40 species, 15 of which are of Conservation Concern, including the current flock of 56 breeding Chilean Flamingos and a pair of Asian Short-clawed Otters. Previous volunteers have gone on to work in animal conservation work around the world. 

We are currently looking for volunteers that can help us on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays. We ask that you can commit a minimum of 6 months to get the most from your role. 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 us or leave a message with your name and number. Please visit our webpage for more inforamtion and our contact details. 

About You

• Some practical experience in animal care would be desirable
•  Able to follow instructions and safely complete activities alone or as part of a team
• Good people skills
• Public speaking skills desirable
• Physical fitness and the ability to lift heavy loads
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather
• Driving licence is desirable
• Passion
• You need to be over 18 years old for this role.

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

We look forward to hearing from you!