Work Experience & Placements
Interested in completing high school work experience or student placement at the Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary?
TAFE Placements for 2026 open via your TAFE program. High School Work Experience Programs for 2025 are now exhausted.
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is pleased to offer work experience and student placement opportunities to individuals who wish to gain practical knowledge working with animals. You must share our passion for the conservation of animals, particularly marine mammals, and their environment.
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary has been caring for marine wildlife since 1970. We offer a unique and interactive animal experience for our guests. Visitors who experience our animals up close and discover our conservation programs are inspired to act to protect precious marine animals and their endangered environments.
- Current job opportunities – vacancies are advertised on the SEEK website.
- Work experience and student placement opportunities – please email volunteers@ccws.org.au
- TAFE & Student work placements for 2026 opening via your accredited TAFE program
- High School Work Experience program for year 10 – 12 students – applications for 2025 are now exhausted. 2026 program availability will be announced shortly.
How to apply
Work Experience Program Information
Please download and complete the application form below. Completed applications must be emailed to volunteers@ccws.org.au.
Please note:
- Due to limited spaces in our program, we cannot guarantee requested dates.
- Work experience placements are not available during NSW school holidays.
- Our program is very popular and may be book up to 12 months in advance.
Successful applicant will gain hands-on experience working in various areas of Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary.
During your placement, you will have the opportunity to:
- Discover the effort, dedication, and teamwork that go into caring for wildlife behind the scenes.
- Assist with preparing animal diets in our fish kitchen.
- Observe animal husbandry training sessions.
- Take part in daily cleaning and habitat care.
- Gain experience in shift rotations, including helping trainers during feeding sessions and supporting the rehabilitation of rescued sea turtles.
Placement Details
- Duration: 4 days
- Schedule:
- Monday – 9:30 am start
- Tuesday to Thursday – 8:30 am start
- Finish time each day 3:45 pm
- Breaks: 2 x 30-minute breaks (morning tea and lunch)
