Assistant Curator: Lead Animal Welfare & Team Ops

The Royal Zoological Society of SA Inc; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoos SA in Adelaide is seeking an experienced Assistant Curator to lead the Life Sciences team at Adelaide Zoo. This permanent, full-time role focuses on animal management, staff coaching, and operational coordination across sections to deliver high standards of care and engaging visitor experiences.

Reporting to the Curator, you will mentor staff, oversee rostering and documentation, act as Duty Manager on a rostered basis, including weekends and public holidays, and foster a positive team

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in animal care environments.
• Strong focus on animal welfare and safety standards.
• Excellent communication and coaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and operational support to a high-performing Life Sciences team.
• Mentor staff through coaching, training and feedback.
• Oversee rostering, documentation and positive team culture.
• Support engaging visitor experiences and conservation messaging.
• Occasionally act as Duty Manager, including weekends/public holidays.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Animal husbandry

Communication

Safety & welfare

Education

Certificate III in Captive Animals

Job description

Zoos SA in Adelaide is seeking an experienced Assistant Curator to lead the Life Sciences team at Adelaide Zoo. This permanent, full-time role focuses on animal management, staff coaching, and operational coordination across sections to deliver high standards of care and engaging visitor experiences.

Reporting to the Curator, you will mentor staff, oversee rostering and documentation, act as Duty Manager on a rostered basis, including weekends and public holidays, and foster a positive team