Agency Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security
Job title Zookeeper/ Trainer
Job type Full time
Duration Ongoing
Salary $58,285 - $65,408
Position number 15358
Contact officer Peter Nunn on 08 8951 8740 or [email protected]
About the agency https://depws.nt.gov.au/ | www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au
A rare opportunity has arisen for to join the Alice Springs Desert Park on a permanent full-time basis as a Zookeeper / Trainer. Providing a holistic habitat-based approach the Desert Park showcases the relationship between plants, animals and people of Central Australia. Once described by David Attenborough as ‘Unsurpassable. There is no museum or wildlife park in the world that could match it.’ Be part of the team working closely with endemic species of Central Australia the position plays an important role in showcasing the stories of the arid environment.
With the West MacDonnell Ranges on your doorstop and amazing weather year round. Alice Springs is the destination to connect with nature and the landscape.
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
Undertake zoo keeping duties as part of the daily care, management, training and display of the living animal collection and the maintenance and landscaping of their enclosures.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Responsible for the daily husbandry, enrichment and/or training of animals in a section of the animal collection.
2. Maintain high quality naturalistic exhibits that meet animal welfare guidelines and are educational public displays.
3. Maintain daily section animal records.
4. Work and communicate effectively within a small dynamic team environment.
5. Conduct public presentations and other public relations activities as required.
6. Maintain a strong Workplace health and safety culture within the team.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Ability to effectively undertake captive husbandry duties and effectively manage captive wildlife.
2. Demonstrated experience training captive wildlife using principles of operant conditioning.
3. A high level of observation skills and the ability to recognise interpret and solve animal behavioural and management problems.
4. Proven ability to effectively work as part of a small team of zookeepers, to work without direct supervision, and to provide appropriate feedback.
5. Ability to relate to the public and carry out public relations work as required (e.g. presentations of educational talks).
6. Good communication skills, including in computer literacy, and ability to liaise effectively with other staff in this multi-disciplinary work place and an ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultures.
7. Equivalent or relevant experience in a field of technical work closely related to the duties of the vacancy.
Desirable
1. Demonstrated ability to service high quality wildlife displays and naturalistic landscaping of animal exhibits and in environmental enrichment for captive wildlife.
2. A relevant qualification in this field of captive animal husbandry or zoology.
3. “C” Class drivers licence or the ability to obtain.
Further information
1. This position involves regular field and other outdoor work in the extreme environmental conditions of Central Australia.
2. This position involves regular shifts on weekends out of normal business hours and public holidays.
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