Natives Keeper

Zoos Victoria operates four landmark zoos: Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park, Melbourne Zoo, and Werribee Open Range Zoo. Our zoos are composed of passionate, energetic, and driven employees dedicated to fighting wildlife extinction. Every individual, from various disciplines, plays a vital role in helping our organisation achieve its vision of becoming a world-leading zoo-based conservation organisation.

The team cares for native species including koalas, kangaroos, emus, wallabies, lizards, and some African snakes and tortoises. They are involved in local threatened species programs for orange-bellied parrots and plains-wanderers. The Natives team collaborates closely with other Life Sciences departments to deliver food preparation (Food Store) and commercial visitor engagement activities, such as the Ranger round. Candidates should be willing to be flexible within the team's rounds.

The Natives team emphasizes positive welfare, training, and enrichment for all taxa. They focus on delivering effective animal husbandry while fostering a team culture aligned with Zoos Victoria's Vision and Values.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Qualifications in a zoological-related discipline (Cert III Wildlife & Exhibited Animal Care or equivalent)
• At least three years of full-time animal husbandry experience, including a minimum of two years working specifically with reptiles in a captive/zoo environment
• Extensive experience working with multiple reptile taxa
• Strong technical skills and attention to detail
• Experience in creating and maintaining species-appropriate microclimates and providing reptiles with suitable sunlight exposure
• Knowledge of best practices in animal husbandry, welfare, training, and enrichment
• High interpersonal and conflict resolution skills essential for team collaboration
• High emotional intelligence and a willingness to learn
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders
• Proven ability to engage with visitors
• Knowledge of biosecure hygiene management and adherence to procedural standards

For more information, please refer to the position description below.

Please submit a maximum two-page cover letter and resume via the 'Apply' link below.

For questions about this role, contact Yvette Pauligk, Life Sciences Manager - Natives, at

Applications close at 5.00 pm on Sunday, 7th September 2025.

Zoos Victoria values diversity, celebrates differences, and promotes inclusivity. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, individuals with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community. Reasonable adjustments will be provided during the recruitment process. For more information, please contact or visit