Aquarist & Dive Specialist for Welfare & Conservation

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

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.