Conservation First Nations Internship - Zoos Victoria

Zoos Victoria; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 61,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoos Victoria invites applications for the Conservation First Nations Internship based at Melbourne Zoo for a 12-month fixed-term period. The role offers hands-on field-based research alongside Zoos Victoria scientists, focusing on Fighting Extinction programs and conservation planning.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Based at Melbourne Zoo with some work-from-home flexibility and field work as needed, the internship is Band 2, Step 3 with a

Qualifications

• Must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Responsibilities

• Gain field-based research skills and techniques while working with Zoos Victoria scientists.
• Assist with Fighting Extinction programs and conservation planning/reviews.
• Contribute to knowledge-gap research on Zoos Victoria's threatened species.

Job description

Conservation First Nations Internship - Zoos Victoria

Full-Time Fixed term position for 12 months (mid-January 2027 to mid-January 2028)

Based at Melbourne Zoo with some work-from-home flexibility and field work as needed

Salary range: Band 2, Step 3 - $68,287 per annum+ 12% superannuation

Kick start your conservation career now!

Zoos Victoria operates four landmark zoos - Healesville Sanctuary, Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Kyabram Fauna Park. Zoos Victoria is made up of passionate, energetic and driven employees committed to fighting wildlife extinction. Every person, from the extensive range of disciplines, plays an important role in helping the organisation realise its vision to become a world leading zoo-based conservation organisation.

Through our Baillieu Myer Conservation Internship program, we have a position within our Conservation and Science team. If you identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent and are looking to get some on the job experience, we would be interested in hearing from you.

Over the course of the internship, the Intern will build on prior experience and gain new field-based research skills and techniques while working alongside Zoos Victoria scientists and assisting with our Fighting Extinction programs. As an Intern, you will participate in conservation planning and reviews, ex-situ zoo-based programs and recovery teams. You will also undertake research focusing on knowledge gaps or key research questions associated with Zoos Victoria's Fighting Extinction species or other Victorian threatened species.

Established in 2023 with a gift from the Sidney Myer Fund, Zoos Victoria would like to acknowledge and thank all philanthropic Conservation Partners involved in supporting this important program, empowering young scientists with the skills and experience needed to protect Victoria's most threatened species, to continue in 2027 and beyond.

Applicants must identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

Applicants are required to be Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents or hold a valid Australian working visa to be considered for this position.

Must meet fitness requirements of the role able to work in physically challenging conditions and for extended periods in the field.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday 6th November 2026.

Zoos Victoria welcomes applications from people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability. In addition, Zoos Victoria will provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with disability, illness or injury. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process,please advise via @zoo.org.au or visithttps://www.zoo.org.au/about-us/careers/inclusion-and-diversity/for more information.

Vision

Our vision is to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organisation.

Mission

Our mission is to galvanise communities to commit to the conservation of wildlife and wild places. We will achieve this by connecting people and wildlife in the following ways:

Opening the door by providing exceptional wildlife encounters that reach beyond the boundaries of our campuses

Leading the way by communicating and demonstrating the role of conservation and research in all we do

Catalysing action through inspiring experiences that motivate participation, leading to conservation and sustainability outcomes

Source: This is an extract from the company's own website.

Vision

Our vision is to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organisation.

Mission

Our mission is to galvanise communities to commit to the conservation of wildlife and wild places. We will achieve this by connecting people and wildlife in the following ways:

Opening the door by providing exceptional wildlife encounters that reach beyond the boundaries of our campuses

Leading the way by communicating and demonstrating the role of conservation and research in all we do

Catalysing action through inspiring experiences that motivate participation, leading to conservation and sustainability outcomes

Source: This is an extract from the company's own website.