Nutrition Assistant

Sydney Zoo; Central Coast; On-site; AUD 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free flu vaccinations

Workplace massages

Quarterly Town Halls

Training opportunities

Fitness Passport access

Fundraising events

Job summary

Sydney Zoo invites applications for a Nutrition Assistant to support animal health by preparing nutritionally balanced diets for the animal collection. The role is part of the Nutrition team and focuses on accurate, safe diet preparation and dietary protocols.

The position emphasizes high standards of cleanliness, food safety, and teamwork within the zoo. Weekend and public holiday work will be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years paid experience in a zoo or relevant/equivalent industry.
• Sound knowledge of animal science, husbandry, nutrition, digestive systems and hygiene.
• Demonstrated understanding of nutrition's role in animal welfare via the Five Domains.
• Experience in a zoo setting and working with a team.
• Must hold a current driver’s licence.
• Experience in safe handling, storage and distribution of food per safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and provide nutritionally balanced approved diets for the animal collection.
• Assist in day-to-day operations of the nutrition department, ensuring accuracy and safety.
• Maintain cleanliness, hygiene and food safety across all nutrition prep and storage areas.

Skills

Animal science

Nutrition basics

Five Domains knowledge

Attention to detail

Time management

Organisational skills

Verbal communication

Driver's license

Team collaboration

Job description

Job Description

Nutrition Assistant at Sydney Zoo

Located in the heart of Western Sydney, Sydney Zoo strives to showcase a broad range of native and exotic animals using technology and advanced exhibit design, with a strong focus on animal welfare, conservation, and educating our visitors about animals and their habitats. Environmental and social awareness play a vital role in our message that highlights the indigenous culture and human influence on the environment.

The Position

The Nutrition Assistant plays a key role in supporting animal health and welfare by preparing and providing nutritionally balanced approved diets for the animal collection. Working as part of the Nutrition team, the position assists in the efficient day to day operation of the nutrition department, ensuring diets are prepared accurately, safely, and to established standards. The role also maintains
high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety within all nutrition preparation and storage areas.

Sydney Zoo is open every day of the year and this position will require the successful candidate to work some weekends and public holidays.

Skills, Knowledge, and Relevant Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 2 years paid experience in a zoo or relevant/equivalent industry.
• A sound knowledge of animal science in terms of husbandry, nutrition, digestive
  systems
  and hygiene
• A minimum of three years working in the zoo profession in a related field
• Demonstrated understanding of the role nutrition plays in ensuring a positive animal welfare state linked to the Five Domains
• Demonstrated understanding of the role of Zoo's consistent with the strategy and future direction of SZ
• Holds a current driver's licence.
• Demonstrated experience in the safe preparation, handling, storage, and distribution of food in accordance with food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to accurately follow approved diet sheets, feeding protocols, and established procedures with a high level of attention to detail.
• Well-developed organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet daily operational requirements.
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide guidance and support to students, volunteers, and work experience participants.

Why should you join the Zoo Crew?

By joining the exciting Sydney Zoo Crew, you will not only be in close proximity to some of the most incredible animals native to Australia and across the world, but you will also join an amazing team of dedicated people! Our team are passionate, devoted, and heavily inspired by Sydney Zoo's values and mission to deliver a world-class visitor experience that encourages the community to make a difference, and all with a smile!

We are very proud of our diverse team of staff that represent all the different backgrounds and cultures that call Western Sydney 'home'. We love the individuality across our team of people as much as we love the collection of animals we so proudly care for. Whether you are looking for your first job, wanting to jump back into the workforce, or simply need a stimulating change to shake up your career, we encourage you to take the next step and join in our vision to make a difference.

Sydney Zoo is committed to providing a positive workplace and fostering employee engagement and wellbeing. We know how important it is to recognise and thank our staff for making Sydney Zoo great and we do this by providing our team with

• free annual flu vaccinations
• workplace massages
• quarterly staff Town Hall's
• training opportunities
• access to Fitness Passport
• fulfilling fundraising events

just to name a few! If you would like to become part of an amazing team that does all of this and so much more, then look no further… Sydney Zoo is for you!

Applications

Applicants will be required to provide a current resume and a covering letter outlining your ability to meet the above selection requirements. Applications close at 9am Thursday, 8th September 2026.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability are encouraged to apply for all Sydney Zoo positions.

Sydney Zoo is a fully COVID-19 vaccinated workplace. We will require proof of your double vaccination status prior to commencement. Please contact us for general enquiries, including if you have any queries regarding our policy or to obtain a copy of the Sydney Zoo Vaccination policy.

Sydney Zoo is a Child Safe Organisation which means we require a valid NSW Working with Children Check (Paid Employment), or proof of application.

Sydney Zoo is committed to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity and Cultural Diversity.