Student placements

At WWT, we know that people are instrumental in our mission to restore wetlands. And you are the future conservationists who will lead the way.

Our learning and development student placements are designed to give you the experience and skills you need to take the next steps in your career. You’ll focus on:

  • Practical, technical knowledge in your chosen field
  • Experience of the workplace, enhancing your CV
  • Wetland conservation.

You’ll receive a great quality learning experience that can be tracked and evidenced. Your warm and thorough induction will help you settle quickly. You’ll get to know the teams you are working with, WWT as whole and what we stand for, and what you can expect from your year with us. Training will depend on the job you are doing, and will stand you in good stead for the future. In return, we hope you’ll be as enthusiastic about the power of wetlands as we are.

We are delighted to announce that, for the first time, our student placements will be paid positions. We want everyone to have the chance to access these opportunities and are proud to be taking this step in the right direction.

Key details

  • 37.5 hours per week
  • Fixed term for 12 months from September 2024.
  • National Minimum Wage will be paid to the successful candidates, dependent on age.
  • Closing date for applications: 11th February 2024.
  • Interviews: between 23rd February and 8th March 2024.

What we offer

In return for your hard work and dedication, you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits including:

  • A comprehensive and hands on learning experience, focussing on subject specific skills as well as wetland conservation, and skills for the workplace
  • 33 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays.
  • Contributory pension scheme up to 7% (conditions apply)
  • Life assurance providing 3 times annual salary
  • Access to a wide range of resources to support your health and wellbeing, including our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
  • Enhanced family friendly policies
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Free entry to all our centres

Accommodation is available at reasonable market rent for some sites – please see details below. If you are interested in accommodation, we’ll be happy to discuss the practicalities with you at interview stage.

How to apply

Please complete an application form to apply for any of these positions.

You can download the application form below in the description for each placement.

If you would like to apply for more than one position:

  • For the Practical Reserves Placements, complete one form, selecting which sites you are interested in.
  • For Living Collections and Animal Behaviour Placements, please complete one form, making clear if you are interested in more than one site.
  • For Conservation Evidence and HQ Reserve and Research roles, please complete a form per position.

Application forms should be emailed to placements@wwt.org.uk by 11th February 2024.

If you have any queries, please email placements@wwt.org.uk

Current placement vacancies

Practical reserves placements

Practical Reserves Management placements develop an understanding of what it takes to manage a wetland for people and for wildlife. You’ll be hands on, working within the experienced and knowledgeable Reserves teams on site.

This placement is available at 9 sites and the experience will vary according to the unique properties of each wetland – find out more about what each site offers to ensure you find the right experience for you.

You can apply to up to four sites – please read through the site and job descriptions before selecting.

Rented accommodation available at Caerlaverock, Llanelli, Martin Mere, Slimbridge, Washington.

Conservation Evidence placement

Working as part of an internationally renowned research team, you’ll undertake lab, desk and field work to develop your experience in a wetlands focussed applied research environment.

This role is based within the Conservation team at Slimbridge.

Local rented accommodation is available.

Reserves Management HQ: Office and Research placement

Working within the central Reserves Management and Conservation Evidence teams, you’ll develop an understanding of the co-ordination and strategic side of reserves management.

This role is based within the Conservation team at Slimbridge, working closely with the Head of Reserves Management (who is based near WWT Welney).

Local rented accommodation is available.

Living Collections and Animal Behaviour placements

Available at 4 WWT sites.

Working within our Living Collections teams, you’ll develop practical animal care experience. You’ll be hands on in the day to day care of wetland animals and their habitats, helping to enhance the experiences of visitors and tell the important stories of wetland restoration.

This placement is available at 4 sites and the experience will vary according to the unique properties of each animal collection – find out more about what each site offers to ensure you find the right experience for you by reading through the job descriptions and site specific information.

Rented accommodation available at Martin Mere, Slimbridge (limited spaces available) Washington.

Meet some of our previous placements: