Unit Supervisor - Herpetofauna

Taronga Zoo; Sydney; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary passes for family and朋友s

Free onsite parking

Discounts on Taronga accommodation

Discounted food and beverage

Fitness Passport

Friendly team environment

Job summary

Taronga Zoo Sydney is seeking an experienced Australian Fauna Unit Supervisor to lead our Herpetofauna team within the Australian Fauna Precinct. You will help deliver high quality animal husbandry, contribute to conservation programs and create engaging guest experiences across a 7-day rotating roster.

Based at Taronga Sydney, the role offers a base salary starting from $105,691 plus 12% superannuation and applicable penalty rates.

Qualifications

• Extensive animal husbandry experience with Herpetofauna.
• Desirable venomous animal handling experience.
• Herpetofauna population management skills desirable.
• NSW C Class Driver's 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.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the Herpetofauna Keepers and assist the Manager in daily care and husbandry improvements.
• Develop and implement best practice animal husbandry within the Australian Fauna Precinct.
• Contribute to guest experience opportunities and education messaging.
• Ensure compliance with Taronga policies, WHS and relevant legislation.
• Set team and individual goals aligned with Taronga’s vision and strategy.

Skills

Herpetofauna care

Venomous animal handling

NSW C Class Driver's Licence

Education

Certificate III in Captive Animals

Working with Children Check (NSW)

Job description

At Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, we lead conservation efforts in the field and participate in regional and global conservation breeding programs to establish insurance populations for species threatened in the wild. We also operate two wildlife hospitals that treat and rehabilitate injured native wildlife, as well as providing best practice health care for the animals at our Zoos.

Taronga has a deep commitment to conservation science. In Australia and internationally, we work with universities, governments and conservation partners to respond to challenges impacting wildlife and people. We also have a proud tradition of delivering conservation education programs that increase knowledge and awareness and inspire students to become global leaders in conservation. Taronga receives support from the NSW Government and the Taronga Foundation. Established in 2000, the Taronga Foundation raises funds for conservation, education programs and wildlife in our care.

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
• 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.

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!

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

We offer:

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