Animal Keeper

RPMGlobal; Whitsunday Regional; On-site; AUD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym access

Dining discounts

Job summary

Hamilton Island Wildlife Park is seeking an experienced Animal Keeper to care for iconic Australian wildlife, deliver engaging educational experiences for guests, and help maintain high standards of animal welfare.

You will work with the Head Keeper, assist with exhibits, and participate in conservation programs on a tropical island destination.

Qualifications

• Certificate III or higher in Captive Animal Management, Animal Husbandry, Zoology, or related field.
• Current QLD Driver Licence (Essential).
• Current First Aid Certificate (Essential).
• Current CPR Certificate (Essential).
• Queensland Working with Children (Blue Card) (Essential).
• Minimum 2 years paid experience with native Australian animals.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality animal husbandry, welfare, and exhibit presentation.
• Maintain and develop animal exhibits while following safety guidelines.
• Ensure animal, guest, and staff safety at all times.
• Prepare daily animal diets and maintain feed supplies.
• Collect koala leaf and browse as needed for feeding.
• Monitor animal health and report welfare concerns promptly.
• Assist with daily reporting and compliance documentation.

Skills

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Animal welfare focus

Guest education

Education

Certificate III in Captive Animal Management or related

Job description

ANIMAL KEEPER – Hamilton Island / Wildlife Park

Hamilton Island is seeking an experienced and passionate Animal Keeper to join the team at our Wildlife Park. Working with iconic Australian wildlife, you'll play a vital role in delivering exceptional animal care while creating memorable educational experiences for our guests in one of Australia's most unique island destinations.

Why you’ll love working with us

• Care for iconic Australian wildlife in a unique island sanctuary
• Live island-side with no commute and tropical reef lifestyle
• Enjoy staff perks including gym access and dining discounts

Your Role

As Animal Keeper, you'll work closely with the Head Keeper to deliver the highest standards of animal husbandry, welfare, and exhibit presentation. You'll help maintain exceptional animal care while engaging guests through educational experiences that promote conservation and appreciation of Australia's native wildlife.

Where you’ll make an impact

• Deliver exceptional animal husbandry, care, and welfare standards
• Assist with the maintenance and development of animal exhibits
• Ensure the safety of animals, guests, and staff at all times
• Maintain adequate feed supplies and prepare daily animal diets
• Collect koala leaf and browse for animal feeding as required
• Monitor animal health and report any welfare concerns promptly
• Assist with daily reporting and compliance documentation
• Deliver engaging guest presentations and educational experiences
• Support the development of new animal encounters and conservation programs
• Mentor and support team members in animal care procedures
• Assist the Wildlife Park front-of-house team when required

What we’re looking for

You are passionate about Australian wildlife and committed to the highest standards of animal care. You enjoy educating guests, working as part of a close-knit team, and creating meaningful wildlife experiences while maintaining a strong focus on animal welfare.

To be successful, you will need:

• Certificate III or higher in Captive Animal Management, Animal Husbandry, Zoology, or related qualification (Essential)
• Current QLD Driver Licence (Essential)
• Current First Aid Certificate Essential)
• Current CPR Certificate (Essential)
• Queensland working with Children (Blue Card) (Essential)
• Minimum 2 years' paid experience working with native Australian animals
• Experience working with koalas, reptiles, or macropods (Highly regarded)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Passion for wildlife conservation and environmental education
• Experience delivering guest presentations or guided tours
• Strong teamwork skills and attention to detail

About Hamilton Island

Our mission is to share the wonder of Hamilton Island with the world by creating wonder-filled experiences for our guests, employees and community.

Every team member plays a role in shaping those experiences – making Hamilton Island not just a great place to visit, but a great place to work.

A little island can do wonders – make your next career move one to remember!