Closing date: Sunday 26th March 2023
3-5 days a week for 4-12 months
At Port Lympne Reserve, situated near Hythe in Kent, we have an internship placement available on the Large Carnivore Section. We are looking for a passionate, hardworking individual to work alongside our small team of enthusiastic and likeminded Carnivore Keepers. Port Lympne works in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation; a charity committed to the conservation of rare and endangered animals through breeding and reintroduction programmes.
Port Lympne is home to a wide range of Large Carnivore species such as Barbary Lions to Brown Bears and contribute to the breeding programmes of the species we hold.
This placement is an excellent opportunity for you to shadow our keepers and to learn all aspects of animal husbandry. They will provide comprehensive practical training and significant insight into a successful and responsible zoological collection, with the goal of promoting your future employability in a career in animal husbandry.
The position is physically demanding, so a good level of physical fitness is required. You will need to be able to lift 20kg and willing to work in all weathers. The individual will also need to be comfortable with the butchery of small animals and get involved with maintenance and gardening in and around animal exhibits. Due to the remote location, driving licence and/or ability to get to work on time is essential.
We are looking for a commitment of 3-5 days for 4-12months for this internship. The ideal candidate should have previous animal experience or an animal qualification/studying towards one.
As we are a Registered Charity, funded entirely by visitor fees and donations, we regret we are unable to offer any wages or salary for the placement. We will provide a full uniform and discount at the parks food outlets for the days that you attend work. No other financial benefits are offered. Candidates will need to have the ability to financially support themselves for the entire length of the internship. Please be aware that unfortunately we are unable to offer accommodation.
Please note we may close applications early if successful candidates are found so don’t delay in applying. Also due to the high volume of applicants we are unable to reply to all individually, if you haven’t received a response within 2 weeks of closing date you have been unsuccessful this time.
To apply, please use the form below or email your CV and covering letter to Aaron Hart: Volunteer@aspinallfoundation.org
Please specify which internship you are applying for in your email subject.
