An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Zoo Keeper to join the Australasia team in a Full Time  Capacity!

Australia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community – be it on the basis of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or religious belief.  We provide specific workplace programs to support diversity and equal employment opportunities for women, people with disabilities and all cultural backgrounds.

With several specialised sections, our dedicated keeping teams are integral to the Australia Zoo framework.  A specific department that holds great responsibility for the care and wellbeing of our native mammals as well as some of our small carnivores (red panda, otters and binturongs) is our Australasia team.  A successful applicant for this role will have a demonstrated understanding and be sensitive to the needs of the individuals you care for.  As an Australian keeper at Australia Zoo, you will report directly to the Head of Department and work with an experienced keeping team.

A successful applicant will have a demonstrated ability to work in a high performance environment, with a capacity to deliver all requirements of the role, great work ethic and the ability to work to a high standard within a team.

Australia Zoo expects all its keepers to be dedicated to conservation issues and promote positive animal welfare.  Keeping teams are encouraged to strive for continual improvement in facilities, animal care and self-development.  They do this with enthusiasm and motivation toward their individual learning and training.

Primary Duties –

• Undertake cleaning and maintenance of the animal habitats as required
• Assist with the planning, development and construction of habitats
• Communication of Australia Zoo’s Conservation efforts to guests
• Must communicate well with others and effectively share information as required
• Conduct animal health checks
• Prepare food and conduct feeding of the animals in your care in accordance with dietary requirements, feeding schedules and procedures
• Maintain records of observations and reports on animal behaviour and/or breeding
• Conduct environment and habitat safety checks
• Undertake hands on care of animals
• Undertake animal enrichment programs
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Undertake public speaking and/or delivery of demonstrations
• Knowledge of basic husbandry requirements
• Ensure knowledge of all relevant conservation programs Australia Zoo contributes to
• Take responsibility for skill development and progression / training sign off
• Work within guidelines of health and safety procedures to ensure security and safety of animals, staff and guests
• Have an understanding of all aspects of emergency responses ie: fire, dangerous animal escape procedures
• Have an understanding of the location and use fire extinguishers and all safety equipment within the facility
• Commitment to Australia Zoo confidentiality and privacy policies
• Must represent Australia Zoo to the highest standard at all times
• Have an understanding of WH&S Standards
• Participate in performance training and development reviews as requested by the company both on and off the job
• Attend meetings as requested by your Supervisor/HOD
• Other duties as requested by your Supervisor/HOD, Curators or Zoo Director

Essential Criteria –

• 2-3 years of experience in a similar role, including husbandry, keeping and training experience along with the willingness to learn new animal handling techniques and follow instruction
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement an animal training plan utilising operant training and conditioning techniques.
• 7 day a week availability and flexibility, including weekends, public holidays and school holidays
• High level of motivation and long-term commitment
• A broad interest across mammal species including, but not limited to natural history, breeding, nutrition and how this relates to a zoo environment.
• Understand the principles the 5 domains model of animal welfare and how to apply it to create positive welfare in a zoo setting
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of hygiene and biosecurity (including zoonosis and containment elements)
• Willingness to offer suggestions and accept constructed feedback
• Confident at delivering multiple public demonstrations/keeper talks a day of different formats
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including being familiar with report writing, animal health and behaviour records, preferably ZIMS
• Applicants must be fit for physical work, enthusiastic, mature minded, confident, well-presented and able to demonstrate a high level of work-ethic and initiative
• Hold current Driver’s Licence (Manual) and own transport

Preferred Criteria –

• Current First Aid and CPR Certificate
• Any associated licenses; training, workplace health and safety,
• Leadership experience
• Animal training qualifications

Apply for this job below.

Here is a checklist of information you will need to have ready before you start to complete the employment application form:

• Education history
• Employment history
• References
• Any qualifications you may have eg First Aid
• Any achievements you may like to tell us about
• your availability (what hours can you work)
• A resume in .pdf or .doc format
• Any other info that may support your application