Nutrition Assistant

Sydney Zoo; Dubbo; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Sydney Zoo in Western Sydney is seeking a Nutrition Assistant to join the Nutrition team and help maintain the health and welfare of the animal collection through balanced, approved diets. You will work within established protocols to ensure diets are prepared accurately, safely, and to high standards of hygiene.

The role requires weekend and public holiday work due to the Zoo’s daily operations, with a focus on precise diet adherence, excellent organisational skills, and effective communication

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years paid experience in a zoo or relevant/equivalent industry.
• Knowledge of animal science, husbandry, nutrition and hygiene.
• Three years working in the zoo profession in a related field.
• Understanding nutrition's role in animal welfare (Five Domains).
• Understanding SZ strategy and future direction.
• Current driver’s licence.
• Experience in safe preparation, handling, storage and distribution of food per safety standards.
• Ability to follow approved diet sheets and feeding protocols with attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills with students, volunteers and work experience participants.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and provide nutritionally balanced approved diets for the animal collection.
• Assist in the efficient day to day operation of the nutrition department, ensuring diets are prepared accurately, safely, and to established standards.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety within all nutrition preparation and storage areas.
• Support in weekend and public holiday work as Sydney Zoo operates daily.

Skills

Nutrition knowledge

Attention to detail

Time management

Verbal communication

Teamwork

Driver's licence

Food safety

Animal science knowledge

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 your career.

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 it by providing our team with free annual flu vaccinations, workplace massages, quarterly staff Town Hall's, training opportunities, access to Fitness passport and fulfilling one fundraising float event, first ever celebrated call? going to you maybe)???.

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.

Applications close at 9am Thursday, 8th September 2026.