Estate Biodiversity Industry Placement

Estate Biodiversity Industry Placement

Full‑time 12‑month industrial placement commencing September 2026. This placement provides experience within the Field Programmes Department at Chester Zoo, which facilitates, coordinates and develops field conservation projects. The role focuses on habitat management and native species monitoring across the wider zoo estate, which is home to a wide range of habitats and some of the UK’s most protected species.

• Assisting with day‑to‑day practical habitat management activities including scrub clearance, coppicing and hedge laying.
• Assisting with bird surveys, butterfly transects, great crested newt monitoring and other surveys on the zoo estate.
• Regular data management, reporting, writing of articles and involvement in other field programme projects as needed.
• Involvement in partnership activities, including collaboration with Record – The Local Environmental Record Centre for the Cheshire Region.
• Opportunity to focus on at least one specific project related to current work in our conservation field programmes, often aligned with data collected on the estate.

• Year in industry placement of up to 12 months commencing in September 2026.
• Full training with the Conservation & Science teams.
• Uniform provided, along with lunch vouchers for days attended.
• Monthly stipends of up to £120 based on appropriate expenses.
• Full‑time hours (40 hours per week); alternatives can be discussed if you are successfully shortlisted.

• Passion for in‑situ biodiversity conservation and its connection to ex‑situ work, demonstrated through previous experience or study.
• Experience and interest in UK species conservation.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weathers on challenging terrain.
• Highly organised, proactive and able to work independently as well as in a team, both in the field and in the office.
• Desire to learn how science can inform best practice in field conservation projects.
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ideally GIS software.
• Driving licence preferred.

This opportunity is only available to those studying at a UK university on a degree programme with an industrial year. All industrial placements are full‑time voluntary positions for 12 months, commencing September 2026. Although no direct animal contact takes place in this role, you will attend monthly workshops to gain wider knowledge of modern zoo management. The role is based entirely at Chester Zoo with no overseas travel.
We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation and encourage applications from all backgrounds.

To apply for this opportunity, click the ‘apply for job’ button on this page and submit a CV and covering letter detailing your qualifications, interest in the position, and your university and degree programme. As part of your application, you will also be asked to create a short, 2‑minute video answering two questions. Further details will be included within the application form.

Want to find out more about these placements? Register for our Zoom webinar on 13/1/26 at 5 pm:
Register Zoom meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.