We are excited to announce we are seeking an experienced Primate keeper to join the team here at Tasmania Zoo! Tasmania Zoo is a full ZAA member that participates in regional and international conservation programs and boasts one of the largest varieties of Primate Species being housed in any Zoo or Wildlife Park in the Australasian region. This is your chance to be part of the Zoo while it is in an active growth phase and have your skills/ideas recognised and supported to ensure the highest level of welfare possible for the animals under your care.
Additionally, if you are applying from Interstate/internationally you will get to experience the natural beauty that Tasmania is renowned for, with an abundance of unique wildlife, beautiful scenery and a more relaxed pace of life.
TITLE: Primate Round Keeper
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS: Permanent Full Time
AWARD: Amusements, events and recreation
WAGES: Salary based on level of skills and experience.
HOURS: 76 hours per fortnight; includes rostered weekend work
DIRECT REPORT: Head Keeper
SUPERVISOR: Manager
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Purpose
Provide a high level of husbandry to all animals under your care; including provision of appropriate nutrition and a hygienic/safe/stimulating environment following The Zoo’s Established Policies and Procedures Undertake public presentations that provide effective zoo visitor education and conservation messaging. Practice health and safety of animals and people through attention to biosecurity and the workplace environment. Adhere to Tasmania Zoo’s policies and procedures in all areas of work and conduct including standards for performance and behavior.
Main Duties
• Follow established in-house routines to carry out the daily monitoring and husbandry of animals under your care, ensuring all welfare domains are met (health, behaviour, environment, nutrition, mental)
• Hygienic diet preparation and provision following established in-house diets
• Ensure animal exhibits are well presented and maintained in a safe, bio-secure manner
• Undertake approved, species-appropriate environmental enrichment activities (including Operant Conditioning)
• Perform basic animal health care and administer routine and preventative treatment and medications as directed
• Assist with manual restraint and handling of animals for monitoring, movements and veterinary procedures
• Maintain detailed animal husbandry and health records in accordance with Zoo Policies.
• Facilitate daily animal presentations to the public; ensuring any species interactions are in accordance with local authority requirements and follow Policies and Procedures for the Zoo. Ensure talks are factual, represent up-to-date information, provide conservation messages/outcomes and are delivered at a professional standard.
• Provide assistance and information to public in a professional and courteous manner
• Actively participate as a team-member; demonstrate respect for and support of, other staff at all times
• Effectively communicate in a professional, positive manner and follow established reporting framework.
• Attend to reporting needs in relation to animal health, security and workplace safety matters
• Liaise with Senior staff regarding animal health matters, and veterinary or health requirements • Use of relevant safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) relating to animal care and enclosure maintenance
• Follow reporting requirements for all animal health, WH&S and injury, hazard / incidents
• Comply with WH&S requirements for all aspects of husbandry, exhibit maintenance and grounds upkeep (animal handling, use of vehicles/chainsaws, waste disposal, PPE etc.)
Other Duties
• Assist with exhibit refurbishment and renovation as required to meet animal health and wellbeing, and effective / aesthetic visual interpretation of species
• Developing new Operant Conditioning and Enrichment programs
• Other duties as required
SELECTION CRITERIA
To be considered for this role, your skills and experience will match the following criteria:
Essential
• Certificate III Captive Animals and / or Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline eg. Zoology or Animal Behaviour
• Minimum of one (1) year paid experience in a Primate husbandry role within the zoological or captive animal industry (e.g. shelter, agricultural, laboratory background)
• Husbandry experience with a range of different animal taxon with specific Primate experience being highly regarded.
• Possess an understanding and application of Workplace Health, Safety and Environment needs specific to working in a Zoo environment (or similar)
• COVID 19 vaccination and willingness to receive other relevant vaccinations as required
Desirable
• Experience in public speaking, delivering presentations and educational messages
• Current First Aid Certificate
• Full manual car licence
PROBATIONARY AND PERFORMANCE NOTE
All part-time and full-time positions are subject to a 3-month probationary period with a formal review by management at the end of this period.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are a hard-working person with a genuine interest in making a difference for animals and conservation while having your skills and ideas appreciated and utilised, we would like to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and a 1 page cover letter addressing the essential selection criteria to [email protected] by COB Friday 31st June 2023 (AEDT).
If you have any questions regarding the application process, the position or Zoo please contact the Manager at the above email address.