Zookeeper -Primates

Sydney Zoo; Sydney; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sydney Zoo is recruiting an experienced Zookeeper - Primates to join the Animal Care team in Western Sydney. The role focuses on high standards of welfare, husbandry, enrichment and visitor engagement across primate species. You will work weekends and public holidays as required, contributing to conservation and education goals.

Key expectations include 2-5 years zoo experience, strong communication, independence and teamwork, and commitment to welfare across a diverse range of primates.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2–5 years’ experience in a zoo or relevant industry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of animal welfare and the Five Domains.
• Strong focus on visitor engagement and education.
• Commitment to conservation and sustainability.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Experience in carrying out daily keeping duties to a high standard.

Responsibilities

• Provide efficient and effective animal husbandry to ensure high welfare of primates.
• Carry out daily keeping duties and welfare checks.
• Support visitor engagement and education through interactions and exhibits.

Skills

Animal care

Visitor engagement

Communication

Teamwork

Daily husbandry

Job description

Zookeeper - Primates 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 purpose of the Animal Care Keeper is to provide efficientand effective animal husbandry to ensure excellent animalwelfare that enhances the visitors experience with thespecies in our care.

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 - 5 years’ experience in a zoo or relevant/equivalent industry.
• Demonstrated experience in the Five Domains of Animal Welfare and how itis applied in husbandry of the wide range of species in Zoo’s care.
• Strong focus and skilled in Visitor Engagement.
• Demonstrated commitment to the Conservation and Sustainability.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently or positively contribute to ateam environment.
• Proven ability in carrying out daily keeping duties to a high standard ensuring all husbandry and welfare needs are met.

Desirable

• Valid and current driver’s license with the ability to drive a manual vehicle

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 and 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, 15th October 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