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 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 starting in September.
  • National Minimum Wage will be paid to the successful candidates, dependent on age.

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

How to apply

Please be aware that applications for our student placements for the 2024 / 2025 academic year have now closed.

We will be looking to start recruiting for 2025 / 2026 academic year in December 2024 so please do check back around that time to see the exciting opportunities available.

Current placement vacancies

Please be aware that there are no current vacancies. However, here are some examples below of the placements that will be starting in September 2024.

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.

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.

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.


Meet some of our previous placements: