General Keeper

An exciting opportunity has arisen for someone to join the Birds team as a ‘General Keeper’!

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’ at Australia Zoo, you are responsible for ensuring a high level of welfare is met for the animals in your care. You will be required to perform particular duties associated with your department and report accordingly to the appropriate Head of Department.

As a ‘General Keeper’ at Australia Zoo, you will ensure that all Australia Zoo policies and procedures are adhered to to the best of your abilities. You will be familiar with the 5 domains and contribute to the continuous improvement of animal husbandry needs across your department. You must also have a demonstrated understanding of operant conditioning.

As a ‘General Keeper’ at Australia Zoo, there is an expectation that you will further your own knowledge and development across animal care and conservation, participate in frequent performance reviews, provide feedback and receive constructive feedback relevant to your role.

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 areas 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.
• Demonstrate effective communication strategies – both verbal and written.
• 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.

Essential Criteria:

• Hold current Driver’s Licence (Manual).
• Available to work weekends, public holidays, and school holiday periods.
• Experience in a similar role and long term commitment to Australia Zoo.
• Experience with Animal Training, utilising methods of Operant Conditioning.
• Proof of Q-Fever Vaccination (unless otherwise exempt).

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 format
• Any other info that may support your application