Experienced Keeper: Conservation, Care & Talks

The Royal Zoological Society of SA Inc; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Zoological Society of SA Inc is seeking two Experienced Keepers to join our Life Sciences Curatorial team at Adelaide Zoo. These 1.0 FTE permanent roles operate on a 7-day roster, including weekends and public holidays, delivering excellent animal care, welfare, and visitor experiences.

Ideal candidates have extensive exotic animal experience, strong husbandry and welfare knowledge, and the ability to train and engage visitors.

Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience working with exotic animals in a zoological or wildlife park environment.
• Experience with dangerous or Category 1 animals is highly desirable but not essential.
• Strong practical animal husbandry and management skills.
• Solid understanding of animal behaviour, welfare and positive reinforcement training.
• Confidence working safely with animals of varying sizes, behaviours and risk levels.
• Experience in breeding or conservation programs is desirable.
• Ability to identify changes in animal health, behaviour and welfare and respond appropriately.
• Strong workplace health and safety understanding around potentially dangerous animals.
• Confident delivering keeper talks and visitor experiences.
• Willingness to work across a 7-day roster, including weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Undertake daily husbandry and operational duties for a diverse species collection.
• Safely handle, restrain and manage animals per procedures and risk controls.
• Develop positive relationships with animals through training and conditioning.
• Support enrichment and behavioural management programs promoting welfare.
• Participate in breeding and conservation programs when required.
• Monitor health and behaviour, reporting changes or concerns.
• Maintain accurate animal records including welfare and veterinary data.
• Deliver keeper talks and visitor presentations to engage guests.
• Collaborate with veterinary, curatorial and other teams across Zoos SA.
• Contribute to ongoing improvement of husbandry and animal welfare practices.
• Work across other areas of the Curatorial Department as needed.

Skills

Exotic animals experience

Husbandry skills

Animal behaviour knowledge

Safety around dangerous animals

Visitor communication

Flexibility

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Certificate III in Captive Animals

Job description

The Royal Zoological Society of SA Inc is seeking two Experienced Keepers to join our Life Sciences Curatorial team at Adelaide Zoo. These 1.0 FTE permanent roles operate on a 7-day roster, including weekends and public holidays, delivering excellent animal care, welfare, and visitor experiences.

Ideal candidates have extensive exotic animal experience, strong husbandry and welfare knowledge, and the ability to train and engage visitors.