Topic outline

    • Internships allow you not just to learn great things but do great things.      

      The Durrell Conservation Academy are are pleased to offer a range of training internship opportunities for people to develop their skills and improve their changes of employability in the conservation sector. These are designed primarily for university-level or early career conservationists wishing to develop their practical ''hands on' skills.

      We currently offer two types of training internships:


      Voluntary Animal Keeper Internships - develop your practical skills in animal management, husbandry, field skills, or conservation education at Jersey Zoo
      Mauritius Island Restoration Internships - for Indian Ocean conservationists to develop your field skills in threatened species recovery and habitat restoration.    

    • Veterinary unpaid training placements at Jersey Zoo Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust


      vet looking at chough

      The Veterinary Department, at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Jersey Zoo is staffed by two veterinarians, a veterinary nurse and a part time administrator. The department is responsible for the health of the animal collection in Jersey and in captive breeding programmes abroad. This is a very special opportunity for a veterinary student to work with zoo species, many of which are critically endangered, alongside experts in their field. An inventory of the species housed at the Zoo can be found below.

      Am I eligible for this placement?

      Placements in our Veterinary department are only available for veterinary students in their 4th or 5th year, or those that have recently graduated from a veterinary degree. A good command of English is essential. Application are assessed on their merits. We will confirm acceptance of placements a month after application end date.

      Is this position funded? 

      Unfortunately we are not able to provide funding for these placements. Students must be self funded and arrange all their travel and accommodation.  It is recommended that students have determined they can cover these costs, before applying for a  placement. Successful candidates will be provided with some possible affordable accommodation recommendations when available, but they are encouraged to also look for alternative options for themselves. Students must also determine how they will travel to and from the Zoo each day from this chosen accommodation. 
      As a guide, the weekly rental in Jersey is likely to be minimum £120, but it is wise to budget for more.
      Placement requirements

      Students must be fully vaccinated with rabies and tetanus before arriving on placement. The job is physically demanding, so students are expected to have an appropriate level of fitness. 

      Will I need a VISA?

      UK Students will not require a VISA to enter Jersey. VISA's are required by some countries to enter the UK, the same rules apply for Jersey, you can find out more at here. Students are responsible for sorting their VISA applications in good time before their placement starts. There is a reciprocal health care provision for emergency care for UK and French visitors only. It is recommended that all students invest in health insurance for the duration of their trip, as visits to health care professionals are not free and can will be expensive for all visitors. Interns will be insured for all their activities within the Zoo (*unless as a result of acting out of accordance with Veterinary policy and procedures).

      How long can I train at Jersey Zoo? 
      There is a minimum commitment of 3 weeks on placement, but ideally we prefer a longer placements up to a maximum length of 4-6 weeks. We will try and accommodate specific dates, but this may not always be possible. On application it is strongly advised to provide multiple date options for consideration.

      Hours of work

      Students are required to work a five day week 0800-1700 in the winter and 0800-1730 in the summer. Weekends will be allocated by the veterinary team on the students arrival. As is the nature of the work, veterinary teams may work over these hours and it is at the discretion of the student to decide to do the same. 

      What might I learn during this placement?

      Students will shadow the veterinary staff and will be involved in all aspects of health care including visiting animal on site and observing procedures in surgery. It is not possible to determine what will be observed by the student, as this can vary day to day, but the student is likely to be involved in the following activities: -

      • clinical and pathology work
      • laboratory diagnosis 
      • treatment/preventive medicine, 
      • post mortem 
      • anaesthetics
      • cleaning 
      • restocking
      The veterinary department is equipped will all the necessary diagnostic equipment (ECG, ultrasound scanner, radiography, endoscopy, etc) and treatment (remote injection systems, gas anaesthesia, anaesthetic monitoring).

      Can I carry out research? 

      Depending on the length of the placement, desk based research can be carried out under the guidance of Durrell staff. Please note that this must be approved by Durrell staff and will require students to provide a copy of any publications, reports, articles and dissertation, which come out of work conducted with the Trust.

      How to apply?

      All placements for 2023 are now full, we are currently taking applications for Jan-Dec 2024. The final date for submission is 31st May 2023. To apply please use the link below to complete an application form. Any issues please contact veterinary@durrell.org

      If you are looking for a placement for 2025, please be advised that applications will open for this time period between Jan-March 2024.


    • Or click here to apply for a Vet Student Placement

    • resource icon
      File
      Download Jersey Zoo Vet Placement Information File
    • resource icon
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      Jersey Zoo Animal Inventory 2023 File