Burbangana Program Coordinator - Identified

Taronga Zoo; Sydney; On-site; AUD 113,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary passes for family and友

Discounts on Taronga accommodation

Discounted food and beverages

Discounted Fitness Passport

Job summary

Taronga Zoo in Sydney is seeking an Aboriginal Program Coordinator to lead the Burbangana Program, enriching the cultural and educational experiences of young participants and connecting them with community and conservation goals.

You will work with Taronga's Education team to deliver culturally safe experiences, mentor participants, and build partnerships with Aboriginal communities, schools and government agencies.

Qualifications

• Experience working with vulnerable young people and support positive life outcomes.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations.
• Strong relationship building, mentoring and communication skills.
• Experience developing and delivering educational, community, cultural or youth programs.
• A current Senior First Aid Certificate.
• A current NSW Driver's License or ability to have existing license formally recognised.
• A current paid NSW Working with Children Check, or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver the Burbangana Program, supporting the cultural, educational and personal development of participants, including young people experiencing vulnerability or complex circumstances..
• Build trusted relationships with participants, families, Aboriginal communities, government agencies and service providers to support positive outcomes.
• Develop and support staff to deliver culturally informed educational programs, learning experiences and activities for participants, zoo guests and community.
• Coordinate program administration, evaluation, reporting and data collection to demonstrate impact and support continuous improvement.
• Promote the Burbangana Program and maintain strong partnerships with community, education, government and service delivery organisations.
• Communicate Taronga's education, conservation and Commitment to Country and Community objectives through program delivery, stakeholder engagement and community relationships.
• Build and maintain productive relationships across Taronga and with external partners to support program delivery and contribute to Taronga's 2026-2030 Strategy.
• Contribute as an active member of a high performing team, and support the achievement of Taronga's Commitment to Country.
• Ensure compliance with Work, Health and Safety requirements in line with Taronga's Work, Health and Safety Charter.

Skills

Vulnerable youth experience

Aboriginal communities experience

Relationship building

Mentoring

Communication skills

Program development

Senior First Aid

Driver's license

Working with Children Check

Job description

At Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, we lead conservation efforts in the field and participate in regional and global conservation breeding programs to establish insurance populations for species threatened in the wild. We also operate two wildlife hospitals that treat and rehabilitate injured native wildlife, as well as providing best practice health care for the animals at our Zoos.

Taronga has a deep commitment to conservation science. In Australia and internationally, we work with universities, governments and conservation partners to respond to challenges impacting wildlife and people. We also have a proud tradition of delivering conservation education programs that increase knowledge and awareness and inspire students to become global leaders in conservation. Taronga receives support from the NSW Government and the Taronga Foundation. Established in 2000, the Taronga Foundation raises funds for conservation, education programs and wildlife in our care.

• Located at Sydney's Iconic - Taronga Zoo
• Temporary, 12-month contract
• TCSA Salaried Award, Clerk Grade 6, Annual salary starting from $125,066 (includes annual base salary of $110,345 + 11.5% superannuation & leave loading)

Taronga Zoo, located on Cammeraigal Country, is looking for an exceptional Aboriginal Program Coordinator to join the team!

This is a unique opportunity to play a part in the lives of the Burbangana Program participants through sharing of culture, connecting participants with community and inspiring conservation action.

The Burbangana Program supports young people who are experiencing vulnerability or complex circumstances. Through culturally safe experiences, mentoring, education, training and connection to Country, the program helps participants build confidence, develop skills and create positive pathways for their future.

As part Taronga's Education team, you will work alongside passionate educators and program specialists who deliver meaningful experiences to young people, schools, visitors and the communities across our zoo.

Supporting Taronga's Commitment to Country, this identified position contributes to creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people while ensuring Aboriginal voices, culture and community perspectives remain central to program design and delivery.

About the Role…

The Burbangana Program Coordinator leads a program that supports young people to build confidence, strengthen identity, develop skills and connect with positive opportunities through the unique environment of Taronga Zoo.

This role blends youth development, cultural leadership, education and conservation. Every day is different, and every day presents an opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone's life.

• Coordinate and deliver the Burbangana Program, supporting the cultural, educational and personal development of participants, including young people experiencing vulnerability or complex circumstances..
• Build trusted relationships with participants, families, Aboriginal communities, government agencies and service providers to support positive outcomes.
• Develop and support staff to deliver culturally informed educational programs, learning experiences and activities for participants, zoo guests and community.
• Coordinate program administration, evaluation, reporting and data collection to demonstrate impact and support continuous improvement.
• Promote the Burbangana Program and maintain strong partnerships with community, education, government and service delivery organisations.
• Communicate Taronga's education, conservation and Commitment to Country and Community objectives through program delivery, stakeholder engagement and community relationships.
• Build and maintain productive relationships across Taronga and with external partners to support program delivery and contribute to Taronga's 2026-2030 Strategy.
• Contribute as an active member of a high performing team, and support the achievement of Taronga's Commitment to Country.
• Ensure compliance with Work, Health and Safety requirements in line with Taronga's Work, Health and Safety Charter.

About You…

We are looking for some that has:

• Experience working with vulnerable young people and support positive life outcomes.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations.
• Strong relationship building, mentoring and communication skills.
• Experience developing and delivering educational, community, cultural or youth programs.
• A current Senior First Aid Certificate.
• A current NSW Driver's License or ability to have existing license formally recognised.
• A current paid NSW Working with Children Check, or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

Our employees enjoy generous employment conditions including some of the following:

• Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga's Sydney & Dubbo Zoo's
• A wide range of discounts on our award-winning accommodation across both sites
• Discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites
• Discounted Fitness Passport
• + more!

Taronga is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community - be it on the basis of gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances.

Taronga is also committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that this diversity brings to our organisation.

This position is an Identified role for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This recruitment activity is conducted in accordance with Rule 26 of the Government Sector Employment Rules 2014 in relation to employment of eligible persons.

Applications Close: 11:59pm - Sunday 22 November 2026

We offer:

Together, we take on meaningful projects and work towards our shared vision of a better and wilder future. It's all about the mini moments that contribute to our mighty mission and shape our collective success.

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