Full Time
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An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Zoo Keeper to join the Birds 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 over 700 acres of land and buildings, our dedicated Keeping departments within Australia Zoo is primarily responsible for the care of all bird residences. Bird Keepers at Australia Zoo report directly to the Curator of Reptiles, Amphibians and Birds and works alongside an experienced birds crew.
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
As a keeper, you have primary responsibility for ensuring the care and well-being of the animals in your care. You must also be understanding and sensitive to the needs of the animals in your care.
You are also responsible for the animal exhibits, maintenance, landscaping and presenting at daily demonstrations where applicable. Australia Zoo expects all its keepers to be dedicated to conservation issues and animal welfare.
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.
Primary Duties –
Undertake cleaning and maintenance of the animal enclosures as required
Assist with the planning, development and construction of enclosures
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 enclosure 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 i.e.: 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. Please provide video with application.
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 in avian species
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
Knowledge and understanding of Australia Zoo’s Mission and Vision Statement
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of hygiene and biosecurity (including zoonosis and containment elements)
Understand the principles the 5 domains model of animal welfare and how to apply it to create positive welfare
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
Proof of Coronavirus Vaccination (unless otherwise exempt)
Proof of Q-fever Vaccination (unless otherwise exempt)
Preferred Criteria –
Current First Aid and CPR Certificate
Any associated licenses; training, workplace health and safety,
Leadership experience
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
Ready to Apply?
[email protected]