Aquarist

Sydney Zoo; Sydney; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free annual flu vaccinations

Workplace massages

Fitness Passport access

Fundraising events participation

Job summary

Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney invites applications for an Aquarist to provide top‑tier animal husbandry, ensuring welfare and an enhanced visitor experience across our diverse aquatic species.

The role requires weekend/Public Holiday work; open daily. You will actively support conservation goals, engage visitors, and maintain high standards of husbandry while pursuing ongoing certifications and professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–5 years’ experience in a zoo or aquarium or relevant/equivalent industry.
• Advanced Open Water Dive licence with PADI and current First Aid certification.
• Willingness to obtain Stress and Rescue Dive certification complete with either PADI or SSI and advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy certification within six months.
• Demonstrated experience in the Five Domains of Animal Welfare and how it is applied in husbandry of the wide range of species in Zoo’s care.
• Strong focus and skilled in Visitor Engagement.
• Demonstrated commitment to the Conservation and Sustainability.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or positively contribute to a team environment.
• Proven ability in carrying out daily keeping duties to a high standard ensuring all husbandry and welfare needs are met.

Responsibilities

• Provide efficient and effective animal husbandry to ensure excellent animal welfare that enhances the visitors experience with the species in our care.
• Carry out daily keeping duties to a high standard to meet all husbandry and welfare needs.
• Support visitor engagement and education through daily interactions and tours where appropriate.

Skills

Animal welfare

Visitor engagement

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Daily husbandry duties

Education

Open Water Dive licence (PADI)

First Aid certification

Stress & Rescue Dive certification (within 6 months)

Advanced resuscitation & oxygen therapy cert. (within 6 months)

Tools

Manual vehicle operation (optional)

Job description

Aquarist at Sydney Zoo

Located in the heart of Western Sydney, Sydney Zoo strives to showcase a broad range of native and exotic animals using technology and advanced exhibit design, with a strong focus on animal welfare, conservation, and educating our visitors about animals and their habitats. Environmental and social awareness play a vital role in our message that highlights the indigenous culture and human influence on the environment.

The Position

The purpose of an Aquarist is to provide efficient and effective animal husbandry to ensure excellent animal welfare that enhances the visitors experience with the species in our care.

Sydney Zoo is open every day of the year and this position will require the successful candidate to work some weekends and public holidays.

Skills, Knowledge, and Relevant Experience

Essential

• Minimum 2-5 years’ experience in a zoo or aquarium or relevant/equivalent industry.
• Advanced Open Water Dive licence with PADI and current First Aid certification.
• Willingness to obtain Stress and Rescue Dive certification complete with either PADI or SSI and advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy certification within six months.
• Demonstrated experience in the Five Domains of Animal Welfare and how it is applied in husbandry of the wide range of species in Zoo’s care.
• Strong focus and skilled in Visitor Engagement.
• Demonstrated commitment to the Conservation and Sustainability.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or positively contribute to a team environment.
• Proven ability in carrying out daily keeping duties to a high standard ensuring all husbandry and welfare needs are met.

Desirable

• Valid and current driver’s license with the ability to drive a manual vehicle

Why should you join the Zoo Crew?

By joining the exciting Sydney Zoo Crew, you will not only be in close proximity to some of the most incredible animals native to Australia and across the world, but you will also join an amazing team of dedicated people! Our team are passionate, devoted, and heavily inspired by Sydney Zoo’s values and mission to deliver a world-class visitor experience that encourages the community to make a difference, and all with a smile!

We are very proud of our diverse team of staff that represent all the different backgrounds and cultures that call Western Sydney ‘home.’ We love the individuality across our team of people as much as we love the collection of animals we so proudly care for. Whether you are looking for your first job, wanting to jump back into the workforce, or simply need a stimulating change to shake up your career, we encourage you to take the next step and join in our vision to make a difference.

Sydney Zoo is committed to providing a positive workplace and fostering employee engagement and wellbeing. We know how important it is to recognise and thank our staff for making Sydney Zoo great and we do this by providing our team with free annual flu vaccinations, workplace massages, quarterly staff Town Hall's, training opportunities, access to Fitness Passport and fulfilling fundraising events, just to name a few! If you would like to become part of an amazing team that does all of this and so much more, then look no further… Sydney Zoo is for you!

Applications close at 9am Thursday, 22nd October 2026.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability are encouraged to apply for all Sydney Zoo positions.

Sydney Zoo is a fully COVID-19 vaccinated workplace. We will require proof of your double vaccination status prior to commencement. Please contact us for general enquiries, including if you have any queries regarding our policy or to obtain a copy of the Sydney Zoo Vaccination policy.

Sydney Zoo is a Child Safe Organisation which means we require a valid NSW Working with Children Check (Paid Employment), or proof of application.

You can contact us by email [e-mail] or by phone to 7202 2560.

Sydney Zoo is committed to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity and Cultural Diversity.