Unit Supervisor - Herpetofauna

Taronga Zoo; Mosman Municipal Council; On-site; AUD 106,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Conservation programs

Passes for Taronga Sydney & Dubbo

Onsite parking

Accommodation discounts

Food & beverage discounts

Fitness Passport

Team events

Job summary

Taronga Zoo Sydney is seeking an experienced Australian Fauna Unit Supervisor to lead a Herpetofauna team at our iconic Taronga Zoo site in Cammeraigal Country. You will supervise Keepers, develop husbandry practices, and collaborate with leadership to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

The role requires managing a 7-day roster, early shifts, and alignment with Taronga’s conservation goals while maintaining high animal welfare and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Extensive animal husbandry related experience, with Herpetofauna.
• Desirable to have venomous animal handling experience.
• Herpetofauna population management skills are desirable.
• NSW C Class Drivers Licence (or ability to transfer current unrestricted licence).
• Pre employment TB Screening and Pre-employment Q fever.
• Certificate III in Captive Animals or equivalent.
• Obtain and maintain a current paid NSW Working with Children Check at own expense.

Responsibilities

• Work across a 7-day rotating roster.
• Shift times range from 6am till 4pm; patterns discussed in interview.
• Supervise and support a diverse team of Herpetofauna Keepers.
• Develop and implement high-quality animal husbandry practices.
• Create engaging guest experiences aligned with Taronga's vision.
• Communicate Taronga's conservation messages internally and externally.
• Build relationships with stakeholders to advance unit goals.
• Operate as part of a high-performing team and support sustainability targets.

Skills

Herpetofauna

Animal husbandry

Team supervision

Driver license

Education

Certificate III in Captive Animals

Job description

Taronga Zoo Sydney has an extremely unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced Australian Fauna Unit Supervisor who sees a future with Taronga!

• Located at Sydney’s iconic Taronga Zoo, Cammeraigal Country
• Full time, ongoing position within our Australian Fauna Precinct with our Herpetofauna team
• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, Unit Supervisor, base salary starting from $105,691 + 12% superannuation & penalty rates where appliable

Taronga Zoo Sydney has an extremely unique and exciting opportunity for an experienced Australian Fauna Unit Supervisor who sees a future with Taronga!

• Located at Sydney’s iconic Taronga Zoo, Cammeraigal Country
• Full time, ongoing position within our Australian Fauna Precinct with our Herpetofauna team
• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, Unit Supervisor, base salary starting from $105,691 + 12% superannuation & penalty rates where appliable

About the Role…

You’ll be joining and supervising a team of passionate Herpetofauna Keepers. Together with the Manager, Australia Fauna Precinct, and Australia Fauna Supervisor team you’ll be responsible for high quality wildlife care, developing industry leading animal husbandry and management practices and providing inspiring guest experience opportunities.

• This position will work across a 7-day rotating roster
• Shift times range from 6am till 4pm *Shift patterns to be discussed in the interview process

Key Accountabilities…

• Work to safely provide high quality animal husbandry and management within the Australian Fauna Precinct, Herpetofauna team
• Implement techniques in line with Taronga policies and procedures to assist Taronga in meeting WHS and animal care and welfare targets, complying with all relevant legislation.

• Directly supervise and support a diverse team of Herpetofauna Fauna Keepers ensuring their adherences to Taronga and legislative policies and procedures.
• Set team and individual goals that are aligned with Taronga’s vision and strategic plan.
• Develop and implement engaging guest experiences that align with Taronga’s vision and strategy.
• Communicate Taronga's education and conservation messages both internally and externally, ensuring all communications align with Taronga's values to inspire behavioural change in accordance with Taronga's vision and strategy.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders to advance the unit towards its strategic and operational goals.
• Work effectively as a member of a high performing team including peers, volunteers and students to assist Taronga in its achievement of strategic outcomes.
• Comply with sustainability practices in the workplace to help achieve Taronga's sustainability targets and reduce environmental impact.

About You…

We are looking for candidates that have:

• Extensive animal husbandry related experience, with Herpetofauna
• Desirable to have venomous animal handling experience
• Herpetofauna population management skills are desirable
• NSW C Class Drivers Licence (or ability to transfer current unrestricted licence)
• Pre employment TB Screening and Pre-employment Q fever
• Certificate III in Captive Animals or equivalent
• Obtain and maintain a current paid NSW Working with Children Check at own expense.

Benefits…

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

• Direct involvement and contribution to Taronga’s conservation programs
• Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga’s Sydney & Dubbo Zoos
• Free onsite car parking, outside of peak periods
• A wide range of discounts on our award winning accommodation across both sites
• Discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites
• Fitness Passport
• We’re a social team - there’s always lots going on around the zoo that we get involved with!
• + more!

We Value Diversity…

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.

Applications Close: 11:59pm Sunday 27 September 2026