Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Zoo Keeper to join the Africa 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.

As a General Keeper, you have primary responsibility for ensuring the care and well-being of the animals in your section. You must also be understanding and sensitive to the needs of the animals in your care.

You are also responsible for the animals’ exhibits, maintenance, landscaping and presenting at daily demonstrations where applicable. At Australia Zoo, keepers continually work towards providing improved facilities and care for their animals. They do this with enthusiasm and motivation toward their individual learning and training.

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.

Responsibilities or duties

Duties Include:

• Assist in meeting the operational requirements of the department by ensuring appropriate direction of the POC/HOD is followed.
• Complete food preparation for the animals assigned to your care, and understand the dynamic of the species dietary requirements.
• Complete daily husbandry requirements of the department by ensuring appropriate direction of the POC/HOD is followed and ensure cleaning and maintenance of animal habitats are completed daily.
• Liaise with your HOD/POC regarding any daily instructions and concerns that may occur.
• Ensure the highest quality of animal welfare is provided to all animals in your care (including enrichment, diets, conditioning and environment).
• Deliver daily public demonstrations and keeper talks when applicable.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, and ensure appropriate record keeping expectations are met for the animals in your care (including diaries, verbal communication and ZIMS).
• Assisting veterinarians and medical staff with relevant procedures when directed by the HOD.
• Ensure husbandry requirements of the species are met.
• Maintain a high standard of service by ensuring great customer service and cleanliness.
• Ensure an understanding of the 5 domains and accreditation process to ensure the positive welfare of the animals.
• Understand the components of operant and classical conditioning and training; including why these techniques are utilised.
• Understand the natural history of species in your care and ensure appropriate care is provided at all times.
• Understand the individual history of species in your care and ensure appropriate care is provided at all times.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of hygiene and biosecurity requirements.
• Demonstrate continual self-development/motivation/enhancement by ensuring all department induction manuals and training documents are completed appropriately.
• Actively collaborate with team members, communicate effectively and offer assistance whenever possible.
• Ensure all workplace health and safety guidelines relevant to the role are followed appropriately.
• Promote a positive team culture through the promotion of the Australia Zoo vision and mission.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum 2 years captive husbandry experience.
• 7 day a week availability, including weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
• 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.
• Strong communication skills.
• Current Manual Driver’s License.
• Proof of Q-fever vaccination (unless otherwise exempt).

Experience needed

Minimum 2 years captive husbandry experience.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

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.

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.

Promote a positive team culture through the promotion of the Australia Zoo vision and mission.

• Assist in meeting the operational requirements of the department by ensuring appropriate direction of the POC/HOD is followed.
• Complete food preparation for the animals assigned to your care, and understand the dynamic of the species dietary requirements.
• Complete daily husbandry requirements of the department by ensuring appropriate direction of the POC/HOD is followed and ensure cleaning and maintenance of animal habitats are completed daily.
• Liaise with your HOD/POC regarding any daily instructions and concerns that may occur.
• Ensure the highest quality of animal welfare is provided to all animals in your care (including enrichment, diets, conditioning and environment).
• Deliver daily public demonstrations and keeper talks when applicable.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, and ensure appropriate record keeping expectations are met for the animals in your care (including diaries, verbal communication and ZIMS).
• Assisting veterinarians and medical staff with relevant procedures when directed by the HOD.
• Ensure husbandry requirements of the species are met.
• Maintain a high standard of service by ensuring great customer service and cleanliness.
• Ensure an understanding of the 5 domains and accreditation process to ensure the positive welfare of the animals.
• Understand the components of operant and classical conditioning and training; including why these techniques are utilised.
• Understand the natural history of species in your care and ensure appropriate care is provided at all times.
• Understand the individual history of species in your care and ensure appropriate care is provided at all times.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of hygiene and biosecurity requirements.
• Demonstrate continual self-development/motivation/enhancement by ensuring all department induction manuals and training documents are completed appropriately.
• Actively collaborate with team members, communicate effectively and offer assistance whenever possible.
• Ensure all workplace health and safety guidelines relevant to the role are followed appropriately.
• Promote a positive team culture through the promotion of the Australia Zoo vision and mission.

• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work in a high performance environment.
• Capacity to deliver all requirements of the role.
• Great work ethic.
• Ability to work to a high standard within a team.
• Understanding and sensitivity to the needs of animals.
• Enthusiasm and motivation toward individual learning and training.
• Understanding of the 5 domains and accreditation process.
• Understanding of operant and classical conditioning and training.
• Understanding of natural history and individual history of species.
• Understanding of hygiene and biosecurity requirements.
• Ability to collaborate with team members.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to offer assistance whenever possible.
• Adherence to workplace health and safety guidelines.

• Minimum 2 years captive husbandry experience.
• 7 day a week availability, including weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
• Fit for physical work.
• Enthusiastic, mature minded, confident, well-presented.
• Current Manual Driver’s License.
• Proof of Q-fever vaccination (unless otherwise exempt).