Works Officer

The Royal Zoological Society of SA Inc; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoos SA is seeking an experienced Works Officer to join our Assets & Maintenance team at Adelaide Zoo. You will undertake a broad range of practical maintenance, repair, construction and operational support across animal habitats, visitor areas, workshops and infrastructure.

This full-time, permanent role offers autonomy, hands-on work, and opportunities to contribute to the safety, presentation and functionality of our facilities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in maintenance, construction, property services or similar hands‑on operational environment.
• Ability to undertake a broad range of practical maintenance and repair tasks with minimal supervision.
• Experience operating tools, plant and equipment safely.
• Sound understanding of Workplace Health and Safety requirements and safe work practices.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with colleagues, visitors, contractors and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Undertake reactive and preventative maintenance across animal exhibits, visitor areas, workshops and operational spaces.
• Complete practical repairs including fencing, painting, paving, concreting, carpentry-style repairs and minor plumbing.
• Assist with construction, fabrication, welding and installation works within your skills and competencies.
• Construct, repair and install animal enrichment items, furniture, fixtures and operational infrastructure.
• Maintain roads, pathways, gates, barriers and animal containment infrastructure.
• Support exhibit modifications, site improvements and operational projects.
• Undertake general site services including green waste and bin collection, gutter and sump cleaning and general site cleanliness.
• Maintenance of visitor facilities including playgrounds, seating, bins, shade structures and public amenities.
• Operate vehicles, plant and equipment where appropriately licensed and competent.
• Respond to maintenance requests, troubleshoot issues and support day-to-day operation of Adelaide Zoo.

Skills

Practical maintenance

Construction skills

Problem solving

Teamwork & communication

Autonomy

Education

Certificate III or equivalent

Tools

Forklift operation

Carpentry tools

Welding

Plumbing basics

Operating plant & equipment

Job description

Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park welcome more than half a million visitors each year, and we are only getting started. With an ambitious 20-year Master Plan underway and a range of exciting projects on the horizon, now is a great time to join Zoos SA as we continue to grow, evolve, and invest in our people.

We are currently seeking an experienced, motivated, and hands‑on Works Officer to join our Assets & Maintenance team at Adelaide Zoo. This is a full‑time, permanent position working Monday to Friday, on a 5‑day roster.

About the role:

As a Works Officer, you will play an important role in maintaining the safety, presentation and functionality of Adelaide Zoo. Working with a high level of autonomy, you will undertake a broad range of practical maintenance, repair, construction and operational support activities across animal habitats, visitor areas, workshops and operational infrastructure.

No two days will necessarily look the same. You may repair fencing, complete general maintenance, install signage, undertake carpentry or fabrication tasks, assist with exhibit improvements, operate plant and equipment, or respond to maintenance issues across the Zoo.

• Undertake reactive and preventative maintenance across animal exhibits, visitor areas, workshops and operational spaces
• Complete practical repairs including fencing, painting, paving, concreting, carpentry-style repairs and minor plumbing
• Assist with construction, fabrication, welding and installation works within your skills and competencies
• Construct, repair and install animal enrichment items, furniture, fixtures and operational infrastructure
• Maintain roads, pathways, gates, barriers and animal containment infrastructure
• Support exhibit modifications, site improvements and operational projects
• Undertake general site services including green waste and bin collection, gutter and sump cleaning and general site cleanliness
• Maintain visitor facilities including playgrounds, seating, bins, shade structures and public amenities
• Operate vehicles, plant and equipment where appropriately licensed and competent
• Respond to maintenance requests, troubleshoot issues and support the day-to-day operation of Adelaide Zoo

About you:

You are a practical, proactive person who takes pride in the quality of your work and enjoys solving problems. You are comfortable getting stuck into a variety of hands on tasks, working independently when required, and collaborating with a wider team to get the job done.

To be successful, you will have:

• A current South Australian Driver's Licence
• A White Card
• Demonstrated experience in maintenance, construction, property services or a similar hands‑on operational environment
• The ability to undertake a broad range of practical maintenance and repair tasks with minimal supervision
• Experience operating tools, plant and equipment safely and effectively
• A sound understanding of Workplace Health and Safety requirements and safe work practices
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritise competing maintenance needs
• The ability to work collaboratively while also being confident working independently
• Effective communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with colleagues, visitors, contractors and other stakeholders
• A commitment to the vision, values and conservation purpose of Zoos SA

Desirable candidates will also:

• A Certificate III or equivalent qualification in a relevant trade or field would be highly regarded.
• Additional tickets, licences or experience in areas such as forklift operation, MR or HR driving, working at heights, confined spaces, elevated work platforms, welding, fabrication, fencing, carpentry, landscaping, plumbing, tractors, skid steers or loaders would also be desirable.

Why join Zoos SA?

This is more than a maintenance role. It is an opportunity to use your practical skills in a unique environment where your work directly contributes to the safety, functionality, and presentation of animal exhibits, visitor spaces, and the wider Zoo.

You will be part of a team that takes pride in delivering high standards of workmanship, working safely and finding practical solutions to keep Adelaide Zoo operating at its best.

Zoos SA is passionately committed to equal employment opportunity. We believe diversity, inclusion and reconciliation are fundamental to our rich organisational culture and values, and we demonstrate this commitment across all our employment practices, ensuring our people continue to reflect the local communities in which we work. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or require reasonable adjustments, please contact Genesse via 08 8230 1211 and [e-mail]

No recruitment agencies please.