Zookeeper - Reptile Welfare & Training Specialist

Australia Zoo; Beerwah; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Australia Zoo is seeking a General Keeper to join the Reptiles team. You will help maintain high welfare standards, perform daily husbandry, and follow department directions while building knowledge in animal care and conservation.

You will deliver keeper talks, support veterinarians when needed, ensure hygiene and safety, and contribute to ongoing improvement of husbandry practices through understanding the animals’ natural history and conditioning methods.

Qualifications

• Hold current Driver's Licence (Manual).
• Available to work weekends, public holidays, and school holiday periods.
• Experience in a similar role and long term commitment to Australia Zoo.
• Experience with Animal Training, utilising methods of Operant Conditioning.
• Proof of Q-Fever Vaccination (unless otherwise exempt).

Responsibilities

• Assist in meeting the operational requirements of the department by ensuring appropriate direction of the POC/HOD is followed.
• Complete food preparation for the animals assigned to your care, and understand the dynamic of the species dietary requirements.
• Complete daily husbandry requirements of the department by ensuring appropriate direction of the POC/HOD is followed and ensure cleaning and maintenance of animal areas are completed daily.
• Liaise with your HOD/POC regarding any daily instructions and concerns that may occur.
• Ensure the highest quality of animal welfare is provided to all animals in your care (including enrichment, diets, conditioning and environment).
• Deliver daily public demonstrations and keeper talks when applicable.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, and ensure appropriate record keeping expectations are met for the animals in your care (including diaries, verbal communication and ZIMS)
• Assisting veterinarians and medical staff with relevant procedures when directed by the HOD.
• Ensure husbandry requirements of the species are met.
• Maintain a high standard of service by ensuring great customer service and cleanliness.
• Ensure an understanding of the 5 domains and accreditation process to ensure the positive welfare of the animals.
• Understand the components of operant and classical conditioning and training; including why these techniques are utilised.
• Understand the natural history of species in your care and ensure appropriate care is provided at all times.
• Understand the individual history of species in your care and ensure appropriate care is provided at all times.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of hygiene and biosecurity requirements.
• Demonstrate continual self-development/motivation/enhancement by ensuring all department induction manuals and training documents are completed appropriately.
• Actively collaborate with team members, communicate effectively and offer assistance whenever possible.
• Demonstrate effective communication strategies - both verbal and written.
• Ensure all workplace health and safety guidelines relevant to the role are followed appropriately.
• Promote a positive team culture through the promotion of the Australia Zoo vision and mission.

Skills

Animal training

Operant conditioning

Licence (Manual)

Tools

ZIMS

Job description

Australia Zoo is seeking a General Keeper to join the Reptiles team. You will help maintain high welfare standards, perform daily husbandry, and follow department directions while building knowledge in animal care and conservation.

You will deliver keeper talks, support veterinarians when needed, ensure hygiene and safety, and contribute to ongoing improvement of husbandry practices through understanding the animals’ natural history and conditioning methods.